Cody Gakpo admits speaking with Ruud van Nistelrooy about Manchester United before Liverpool move
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has admitted that he spoke with Ruud van Nistelrooy about Manchester United before moving to Merseyside in January.
In the summer of 2022, the Red Devils were linked with a move for the 23-year-old. However, the Holland international signed for Jurgen Klopp’s team in the recent transfer window from PSV Eindhoven.
Speaking to the media via Metro, the forward held conversations with legendary United striker Van Nistelrooy, who now manages the Eredivisie outfit. But last month, he joined Liverpool.
“To be honest, I spoke to him a lot about United in the summer when the transfer looked like it may be coming. But in the winter, not really. It was Ruud’s wish that I went to a big club – and I think I have achieved that with Liverpool.”
Gakpo made a mark at PSV in the previous campaign. However, the 23-year-old took his game to the next level this season at the Red and Whites.
In 24 appearances in all competitions for the Eredivisie outfit this term, the forward scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists. He also shone for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup.
Gakpo scored in every group-stage match in Qatar for the Oranje. Louis van Gaal’s team made it to the quarter-finals. However, they were beaten by eventual champions Argentina in the penalty shootout.
Cody Gakpo: “I spoke to van Nistelrooy a lot about Manchester United in the summer when the transfer looked like it
may be coming. But in the winter, not really”. 🔴 #LFC
“It was Ruud’s wish that I went to a big club – and I think I have achieved that with Liverpool”. pic.twitter.com/VMDLmyKcbZ— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 12, 2023
However, since moving to Liverpool, the 23-year-old has failed to make an impact. In six appearances in all competitions for Klopp’s team, the Holland international has failed to find the back of the net or set up his new teammates.
Last summer, United ended up adding Antony to their ranks. The Brazil international reunited with Erik ten Hag in Manchester. However, after an impressive start to life with the Red Devils, the 22-year-old has gone off the boil a bit.
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The Red Devils evidently need reinforcement up front, with Weghorst and Anthony Martial the only two natural strikers in the team. Considering Gakpo’s recent struggles in England, a decision not to acquire his services looks like a wise move by the Old Trafford side.
