Five top targets that Man United missed out on.
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5) Thomas Vermaelen
Strongly linked with Manchester United for much of this summer, Thomas Vermaelen has now completed the move from Arsenal to Barcelona. With Louis van Gaal desperate to bring in new signings at centre-back, the Belgian international looked a good option on the cheap after falling out of favour at the Emirates Stadium. Still, the Gunners will be pleased to have sold him abroad instead of to one of their title rivals, and Vermaelen becomes the latest big-name target to get away from United in recent times. There may sitll be better options available to United in the transfer market, but this will go down as a frustration for the club after seemingly lengthy negotiations.
4) Kevin Strootman
One of many near-misses for Manchester United in last summer’s transfer window, Roma won the race against a hapless David Moyes for the signing of Dutch midfield playmaker Kevin Strootman from PSV. The classy 24-year-old is still thought to be a top target for United as Louis van Gaal is known to be a fan of his, but for now he is Roma’s player and his fine displays will have to make the Red Devils wonder what could have been. Like many of the players on this list, the Netherlands international is exactly the kind of composed and creative midfield player that United have been crying out for in recent times with the retirement of the highly influential club legend Paul Scholes.
3) Thiago Alcantara
Linked for so long with Manchester United in last summer’s transfer window after falling out of favour at Barcelona, Thiago Alcantara was eventually snapped up by his former boss Pep Guardiola and brought to his new club Bayern Munich. The exciting young Spaniard has since had an injury-hit campaign for the Bundesliga giants, though he would certainly have been a top addition to United’s squad if they had managed to bring him in when he was still available.
2) Toni Kroos
In Manchester United’s never-ending search for a new creative midfielder to replace the legendary Paul Scholes, Toni Kroos was another that looked like he could be Old Trafford-bound this summer as he continued to reject offers of a new contract from Bayern Munich. However, Real Madrid eventually won the race for his signature, snapping him up as their latest Galactico signing shortly after he celebrated victory in the World Cup final with Germany. A world class talent, this will be one that hurts for United as Real’s immense financial power sees them land another big name ahead of the competition.
1) Cesc Fabregas
Along with Thomas Vermaelen, another former Arsenal star in Cesc Fabregas is understood to have snubbed an offer from Manchester United last summer as Barcelona considered selling him. David Moyes was known to be keen on bringing the Spanish midfielder to Old Trafford, but he was one of many misses for the former Red Devils boss in a terrible transfer window – and later a terrible season overall. To rub salt into the wound, just a year on Fabregas has joined rivals Chelsea in a £30m deal, with Barcelona deciding to let him go and his former employers Arsenal turning down their first refusal opportunity on their former skipper. Perhaps somewhat past his best, but Fabregas’ qualities could have been very warmly welcomed at United as they look to add some creativity to their central midfield options. As much as this move will no doubt hurt Arsenal fans everywhere, United will also be left to ponder what could have been if they’d succeeded in persuading the player to leave the Nou Camp just a mere twelve months earlier.