Watching on as Chelsea muscle in on Barca’s Pedro, Manchester United fans would be forgiven for feeling a strong sense of déjà vu.
The disappointment of seeing their club miss out on a big-name signing is something their supporters know all too well. Through the years, they’ve come close to completing deals for an array of world-class players, only to fail at the final hurdle.
Let’s take a look at a few of the ones that got away…
Ronaldinho
In the wake of David Beckham’s move to Real Madrid, Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to bring in the Brazilian from Paris Saint-Germain. After initially looking like the player would sign for United, the move broke down and Ronaldinho switched to Barcelona.
Whilst United experienced four years without a title, Ronaldinho was the catalyst for a golden era that Barca still appear to be enjoying.
Alan Shearer
One of the finest English goalscorers of all time, Shearer eluded Sir Alex Ferguson on two occasions. First choosing Blackburn over United when moving from Southampton in 1992, and then again in 1996. After discussing a move with the United boss, Shearer opted to make the switch to his boyhood club Newcastle United.
Although Shearer’s rejection didn’t subdue United’s domestic dominance, his presence might have meant that they didn’t have to wait until 1999 to regain the European Cup.
Arjen Robben
As a youngster at PSV Eindhoven, Robben impressed United enough to invite him over to Manchester. Despite being given a tour of Old Trafford and United’s training complex, Chelsea – newly backed by Roman Abramovic – persuaded the Dutchman to move to London.
Years later, after moving on to Real Madrid, many were surprised that United didn’t try and include Robben as a makeweight in the Cristiano Ronaldo deal. He ended up at Bayern Munich, where he established himself as a key player.
Paul Gascoigne
It’s one of English football’s most well documented ‘what-ifs’. After a chat with the United boss, Gazza gave his assurances that he would be signing for Manchester United. But after Tottenham manager Terry Venables intervened, Gascoigne changed his mind and opted for a move to the capital.
Years later, Sir Alex described this as his biggest disappointment in the transfer market.
Gareth Bale
When he was at Southampton, United entered into talks over Gareth Bale, seeing him as an ideal fit for Ryan Giggs’ left-wing berth. But after refusing to pay what they deemed an excessive amount for the Welshman, Bale ended up at Tottenham.
United’s interest resurfaced in 2013, but quickly disappeared again when it became apparent that Bale fancied a move to Real Madrid.
