Incredible list of United’s missed targets!
Manchester United have come under some criticism for their transfer policy after a difficult end to the summer, and here’s a full list of their targets from the last few months that they ultimately failed to bring in…
1) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Linked with a stunning return to Old Trafford, Cristiano Ronaldo was always an ambitious target after his amazing form for Real Madrid.
2) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Long linked as a priority target for United, Gareth Bale has been kept on for at least one more season at the Bernabeu.
3) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Also wanted by Arsenal, United tried to sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema to solve their issues up front.
4) Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
A world class centre-back, United looked close to signing Sergio Ramos, though he eventually decided to renew his contract with Madrid.
5) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
A fifth Real player United looked at, Raphael Varane was another option considered by Louis van Gaal to fix his defence.
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6) Pedro (Chelsea)
Eventually signed by Chelsea, Manchester United missed out on one of their top targets this summer as Pedro left Barcelona.
7) Neymar (Barcelona)
Targeting another Nou Camp star, United made a very ambitious bid for Brazilian forward Neymar, though they were never likely to get him.
8) Arda Turan (Barcelona)
Strongly linked with United before eventually joining Barca, Arda Turan attracted plenty of interest while still at Atletico Madrid.
9) Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Linked with a stunning £45m move to United, Harry Kane was on the Reds’ radar this summer after some superb goalscoring form for Tottenham last season.
10) Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)
Another Spurs star, United looked at signing goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as a replacement for the unsettled David de Gea.
11) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
As United loaned Adnan Januzaj to Borussia Dortmund, they tried getting Marco Reus as part of the deal in what would’ve been a superb move.
12) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the best defenders in the world, Mats Hummels is another Dortmund star to attract United’s interest in recent times.
13) Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
Despite an agreement reportedly in place for him to move to Old Trafford, Ilkay Gunodgan seemingly snubbed the club to stay with Dortmund.
14) Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City)
Eventually snapped up by rivals Manchester City, Nicolas Otamendi was linked with United all summer long before the move fell through.
15) Christian Benteke (Liverpool)
Linked with a whole host of top clubs before leaving Aston Villa for Liverpool, Christian Benteke was an option for United and should’ve been snapped up quickly.
16) Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Another Liverpool new boy who looked close to joining United, Roberto Firmino would’ve been an exciting addition to Louis van Gaal’s side.
17) Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)
A player looked at before Matteo Darmian, Nathaniel Clyne could’ve moved to become United’s new right-back before instead ending up at Liverpool.
18) Edinson Cavani (PSG)
Strongly linked with United throughout the summer, PSG striker Edinson Cavani was also on Arsenal’s agenda but ultimately stayed put.
19) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)
A shock target for United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic would have been a great addition to the Premier League.
20) John Stones (Everton)
Mainly targeted by Chelsea, United were also in the running for Everton star John Stones in a bid to bolster their back line.
21) Saido Berahino (West Brom)
Tottenham had several failed bids for Saido Berahino, but United were also keeping a close eye on the West Brom striker’s situation.
22) Lucas Biglia (Lazio)
Strongly tipped to join United, Lucas Biglia probably became a lower priority target after the club signed Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
23) Felipe Anderson (Lazio)
One of the best young wingers in Europe, Felipe Anderson was considered to be a top target for United, but Lazio wouldn’t sell.
24) Stefan de Vrij (Lazio)
A third Lazio player wanted by Van Gaal, Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij would have been another smart buy for the Reds.
25) Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich)
Unsettled at Bayern Munich, United were among several clubs who considered moving for Mario Gotze.
26) Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
A £60m target for United, Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller is a favourite of Van Gaal’s and would’ve been a perfect replacement for Robin van Persie.
27) Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Another Bayern player wanted by United, the club seriously considered trying their luck with a move for Robert Lewandowski.
28) Ezequiel Garay (Zenit Saint Petersburg)
With other options failing, United also looked at signing Zenit Saint Petersburg defender Ezequiel Garay this summer.
29) Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
With De Gea’s future in doubt, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak is another player United look at this summer.
30) Jasper Cillessen (Ajax)
Finally, United are also known to be big admirers of Ajax shot-stopper Jasper Cillessen, though he committed his future to the Eredivisie giants.
