Louis van Gaal reveals the names of superstars he tried to sign at Manchester United
Speaking to FourFourTwo (h/t Daily Mail), former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he tried to sign an array of superstars including Neymar and Robert Lewandowski during his time at the club.
Van Gaal took over the reins at Manchester United in 2014, following the sacking of David Moyes. He lasted two years at the club and led us to an FA Cup triumph, before being replaced by Jose Mourinho.
During his time at the club, we brought in a number of duds like Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria. However, it could all have been very different had the club managed to land his intended targets upon arrival. (h/t Daily Mail)
“I wanted Robert Lewandowski, but when this proved difficult I tried to get Gonzalo Higuain instead. Before I had arrived, I also spoke with the board about Neymar. If you are at United, you have to think big.”
The eccentric Dutch manager also revealed that he also had his sights set on the likes of Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, all of whom would end up at our rival clubs a few years down the line. He also added that he tried to bring in Thomas Muller and James Milner. (h/t Daily Mail)
“After I left, players like Mahrez and Kante ended up at Manchester City and Chelsea, while United couldn’t get them. I found that very odd.”
Van Gaal also claimed that he also wanted to sign either Mats Hummels or Sergio Ramos to bolster the club’s defence. Instead, we ended up settling on the likes of Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind.
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Most of the names on Van Gaal’s transfer wishlist would have been unrealistic signings. However, had we been able to sign at least one or two of those players, things could have been very different.
