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Man United held talks to sign South American ace in summer before losing out to arch-rivals

Gabriel Magalhaes ditched Manchester United for Arsenal.
Gabriel Magalhaes ditched Manchester United for Arsenal.

Ed Woodward tried to sign Gabriel Magalhaes before losing out to Arsenal

According to RMC Sport (h/t Daily Star), Manchester United chief Ed Woodward held talks to sign Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the summer. However, the club were ultimately beaten to the signing by rivals Arsenal.

It was a transfer window to forget for Manchester United this past summer. Up until the last few hours of the window, Donny van de Beek was the only player that the club had signed.

Gabriel Magalhaes during his Lille days
Gabriel Magalhaes during his Lille days

Woodward struggled to get deals over the line until deadline day when the likes of Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani, Facundo Pellistri and Amad Traore were signed.

Jadon Sancho had been United’s top target throughout the summer but the club were unable to close the deal to sign the Borussia Dortmund man. Jack Grealish was another player that was on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wishlist but did not arrive. (h/t Daily Mail)

And, as per RMC Sport (h/t Daily Star), we can also include the name of Gabriel Magalhaes in the list of players that United tried to sign and failed.

The report claims that Manchester United chief executive Woodward met with the Brazilian defender’s representatives over a potential transfer. However, no move materialised, with Gabriel choosing to join Arsenal.

Manchester United CEO Ed Woodward
Ed Woodward struggled to close deals in the summer window

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Since joining the Gunners, Gabriel has helped transform their defence into a solid unit. Indeed, he was one of their best players when they beat United at Old Trafford this past weekend.

One can only wonder what could’ve been if Woodward & co. had acted a bit early and snapped him up ahead of Arsenal.

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