Nico Gaitan opens up on failed Manchester United move
According to Record via Sportwitness (h/t MEN), Nico Gaitan has revealed how close he came to joining Manchester United in the past.
The Argentine made a name for himself at Benfica. Considered to be one of the best wingers on the continent, Gaitan was consistently linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Ultimately, it was not to be and he ended up moving to Atletico Madrid. It proved to be a disaster as he scored just four times in 49 games for the Spaniards.
The 32-year-old has now revealed that a move to England was always on the cards. However, work permit issues ensured the deal never came to fruition.
“It didn’t meet these requirements and it wasn’t possible. But if it didn’t happen, it was for some reason.”
Gaitan insists that he was never the kind to push for a move. Unfortunately, he failed to move to a big club post Atletico and has since played for five different clubs.
Now back in Portugal playing for Sporting Clube de Braga, Gaitan has returned to the league where he made his name. The Primeira Liga breakthrough player of 2010-11, Gaitan went on to become the top assist-provider in the UEFA Champions League in 2011/12.
Gaitan is a primarily left-sided player who is also capable of playing on the other flank.
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What impact the winger could have had at Old Trafford is debatable. Under the right manager, he certainly had the ability to hit the ground running.
Ultimately, it will remain a massive what-if regarding his links to United. Gaitan made 19 appearances for the Argentine national team. He was a part of the side that finished second in the 2016 Copa America.
