Pranav Nair
Manchester United decided against making a move for Ruben Dias in 2018
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United passed on the opportunity to sign Portuguese international Ruben Dias in 2018.
Then at Benfica, the youngster was steadily enhancing his reputation as one of the best young defenders in the game. This earned him the attention of Jose Mourinho, then in charge at Old Trafford.
Having finished runners up in both the Premier League and the FA Cup, Mourinho was keen on strengthening his defence heading into 2018/19. United however chose against listening to his advice, instead making Fred their marquee signing of the window.
Mourinho had intimate knowledge of Dias’ abilities, thanks to his contacts at Benfica. The duo also shares the same agent in Jorge Mendes.
Then just 21, Dias played against United twice in the 2017 Champions League group stage. This comes after the Red Devils went big on Benfica defender Victor Lindelof in 2017.
While club scouts continued to watch Dias, the recruitment department was only receptive to signing a more proven centre-half. While that reasoning is not without its merits, the lack of foresight is apparent.
Three years on, United have been left to rue their decision as the Portuguese star continues to shine for our arch-rivals Manchester City. Signed last summer, he has strengthened Pep Guardiola’s backline and has emerged as a difference-maker for them.
The 24-year-old was voted the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year on Thursday. He is also is expected to claim the Professional Footballers’ Association award. (h/t Manchester Evening News)
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Mourinho’s shortlist also included the likes of Harry Maguire, Kalidou Koulibaly, Milan Skriniar, Diego Godin, Jerome Boateng, and Nikola Milenkovic. The Red Devils would eventually sign Maguire a year later.
While the Englishman has strengthened us at the back, the hunt for a reliable defender to partner him continues.
