Trippier drops shock revelation that he was very close to joining Manchester United in 2021
Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has revealed that he was on the verge of joining Manchester United in 2021. The Red Devils were actively seeking a right-back and showed strong interest in securing his transfer.
Despite negotiations, a transfer did not come to fruition, and Trippier ultimately moved to Newcastle for £12 million during the January transfer window. In a conversation with Gary Neville on The Overlap, Trippier acknowledged Manchester United’s interest in acquiring him.
He said: “I wanted to come back to England – my family were finding it very difficult. I could’ve stayed at Madrid – I could’ve signed a new three-year contract, but as a player, you have to be realistic about where you can go. I couldn’t go to (Manchester) City or Liverpool as I was restricted to certain clubs. United came in straight after the Euros and that was very close. Obviously, growing up being a Red as well with all my family, but it didn’t happen. Everything happens for a reason – it just fell away really.”
https://onefootball.com/en/news/newcastle-star-drops-shock-revelation-very-close-to-joining-man-united-in-2021-39630023
Manchester United have been linked with numerous players over the years, and one of the lengthiest transfer sagas involved Kieran Trippier during Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s search for a right-back. At the time, Diogo Dalot was struggling with injuries and inconsistent form, unlike the player he has developed into under Erik ten Hag. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s exceptional defensive abilities further influenced United’s considerations.
With Dalot on loan at AC Milan, Manchester United pursued a deal for Trippier, who was then at Atletico Madrid. Trippier has since disclosed how close the move came to fruition. Despite Trippier eventually moving to Newcastle United in the subsequent January 2022 transfer window and impressing, United ultimately chose to proceed with Dalot. Dalot has since established himself as a formidable presence at right-back, recently receiving the squad’s 2024 Players’ Player of the Year award.
Manchester United’s decision to prioritize Diogo Dalot over Kieran Trippier proved to be a prudent move for several reasons. Dalot, who had struggled with injuries and consistency initially, showed significant improvement under Erik ten Hag’s management. His development into a reliable right-back offered United a younger option with potential for long-term growth, aligning well with the club’s strategy.
In contrast, while Trippier had a proven track record and experience at the top level, his acquisition would have likely been a shorter-term solution due to his age and contract situation at the time. United’s choice to invest in Dalot, who has since flourished and earned accolades within the squad, including the 2024 Players’ Player of the Year award, underscores the wisdom of their decision.
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Moreover, Dalot’s adaptation to ten Hag’s tactical system and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively have further validated United’s faith in his potential as a key player in their squad moving forward.
