Biggest names to slip away from Man United, including three Chelsea greats.
SEE ALSO:
Santi Cazorla leaks picture of Arsenal 2015/16 home kit [Tweet]
12 players clubs can’t afford to LOSE this summer: Liverpool, Chelsea & Man Utd stars linked with exits
Manchester United news
One of the biggest clubs in world football for the last couple of decades, it’s no surprise to see Manchester United have held talks with some truly legendary players, with these nine among the notable stars they missed out on at one point or another…
1) Gareth Bale
Targeted first when he was at Southampton as a youngster, Manchester United also notably tried again to sign Gareth Bale before he left Tottenham for Real Madrid in the summer of 2013. An ideal replacement for Ryan Giggs, the Welshman continues to be linked with a possible move to Old Trafford. Inevitable?
2) Arjen Robben
A top target for United during his days as a youngster at PSV, Arjen Robben eventually joined Chelsea instead, helping the Blues to two Premier League titles and becoming a top Premier League winger. Now at Bayern Munich, Robben has recently been linked with the club again since Louis van Gaal took over.
3) Ronaldinho
A player United looked close to signing in the summer of 2003, Ronaldinho eventually chose a move to Barcelona instead, becoming one of the club’s greatest ever players and one of the biggest stars of his generation.
4) Kaka
Wanted by United during his difficult period at Real Madrid, it is claimed that Jose Mourinho twice turned down bids from the Red Devils to sign the Brazilian playmaker.
5) Raul
A surprise target for United in 2010, it is said that the Red Devils held talks with the legendary Spaniard after he decided to leave Real Madrid, though he ended up at Schalke.
6) Alan Shearer
Perhaps the best striker of the Premier League era, Alan Shearer notable turned down Manchester United to play for his boyhood club Newcastle, and one has to wonder what could have been if he’d linked up with all those big names at Old Trafford instead.
7) Paul Gascoigne
One of the most talented English players in the modern era, Paul Gascoigne looked all set to join Manchester United before being lured into a move to London and joining Tottenham instead, which is now seen as a big waste of talent for the Three Lions legend.
8) Michael Essien
A player who somehow had two trials at United but failed them, midfield powerhouse Michael Essien eventually ended up moving from Lyon to Chelsea, becoming a key player for the club, helping them to two Premier League titles.
9) Cesc Fabregas
A top target for United in David Moyes’ reign, Cesc Fabregas was seen as the ideal Paul Scholes replacement in midfield, though he decided to stay at Barcelona for another year before then joining Chelsea and guiding them to the title this season.