Manchester United, a club with a storied history of attracting top talent to Old Trafford, has also experienced significant transfer near-misses throughout its existence. Over the years, the Red Devils have seen several world-class players and promising talents opt for rival clubs or other destinations, despite being on the brink of securing their signatures. This article delves into some of the most notable transfer sagas where Manchester United ultimately missed out on acquiring players who went on to achieve considerable success, including Ballon d’Or winners and World Cup champions.

The Ronaldinho Saga: A Near Miss in 2003

In 2003, Manchester United were reportedly on the verge of signing Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho from Paris Saint-Germain for approximately £9 million. The attacking midfielder had already showcased his brilliance in France, contributing an impressive 44 goals and assists in 77 appearances. At the time, David Beckham was expected to depart Old Trafford for Spain, and Ronaldinho was widely seen as his ideal successor. While Barcelona and Real Madrid were also vying for Beckham’s signature, United seemed confident in securing Ronaldinho. Reports suggested the club was “99.9% certain” of the deal, but Barcelona ultimately intervened, completing a transfer for the Brazilian for £25.5 million. Ronaldinho went on to achieve legendary status at Barcelona, winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2005, cementing his place as one of football’s greatest players.

John Obi Mikel: A Pre-Contract Turned Chelsea Move

Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel has spoken candidly about his experience with Manchester United, revealing how he ultimately chose Chelsea despite initial contact with the Old Trafford club. After impressing at an Under-17 tournament, Mikel undertook trials with Manchester United. The club proposed a plan for him to spend time with them before returning home and signing a professional contract upon turning 18. However, Chelsea learned of his situation and swiftly sent an agent to Nigeria to bring him to their trials. Chelsea offered him a more immediate path, sending him to train in Norway. Manchester United, upon discovering his whereabouts, sent their own agent and a contract, which Mikel signed. This led to a dispute between the clubs, involving FIFA and the English FA. Mikel recounted a private meeting with then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who attempted to persuade him to join United. Despite Ferguson’s efforts, Mikel ultimately decided to sign with Chelsea, a decision he has since explained was influenced by the club’s more proactive approach to his development.

Toni Kroos: A Verbal Agreement Unfulfilled

In 2013, as David Moyes took the managerial reins at Manchester United following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the club appeared close to signing German international Toni Kroos. Moyes himself confirmed in 2018 that he had met with Kroos and his wife, and a verbal agreement was reached for the midfielder to join United from Bayern Munich. Kroos was a key target, but the transfer never materialized. He remained at Bayern for another season before making a high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2014. At Madrid, Kroos enjoyed immense success, winning multiple Champions League titles and the World Cup with Germany in 2014, solidifying his reputation as one of the era’s premier midfielders.

The Dybala-Lukaku Swap Deal That Fell Through

During Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, Manchester United explored a potential swap deal involving striker Romelu Lukaku and Juventus forward Paulo Dybala in 2019. Reports indicated that an agreement was close to being reached between the clubs, with Solskjaer reportedly believing Lukaku was not part of his long-term plans. However, the transfer ultimately collapsed as Dybala decided to remain with Juventus. Dybala continued to be a significant figure for Juventus, winning numerous domestic honours. He was also a key member of the Argentina squad that triumphed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and later moved to AS Roma.

Alan Shearer’s Choice: Newcastle Over Manchester United

In 1996, following a successful period with Blackburn Rovers, England’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, Alan Shearer, had the choice between joining Manchester United or Newcastle United. Shearer met with both Sir Alex Ferguson and his childhood hero, Kevin Keegan, on the same day. He recounted on “The Rest is Football” podcast that upon meeting Ferguson in the afternoon, the manager remarked, “Am I meeting you first or am I meeting you second?” Upon learning Shearer had already met Keegan that morning, Ferguson reportedly said, “That’s me f*****, I’ve got no chance,” believing that first impressions were crucial. Shearer initially agreed to join Manchester United, even going house-hunting with Ferguson. However, a subsequent call from Kevin Keegan prompted a change of heart. After a brief conversation with Keegan, Shearer decided to sign for his hometown club, Newcastle United, a decision that marked a significant moment in the transfer market of that era.

Conclusion: A History of What-Ifs

These instances highlight Manchester United’s rich history of transfer dealings, marked by both significant successes and notable near-misses. While the club has consistently aimed to attract the game’s elite, the unpredictable nature of the transfer market means that even well-advanced negotiations can fall through. The players mentioned above went on to carve out illustrious careers, winning major trophies and individual accolades, leaving Manchester United fans to ponder the “what-ifs” of these almost-completed transfers.