Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Thiago Alcantara was open to moving to Old Trafford before ending up at Liverpool.
Spanish international Thiago Alcantara has been a pivotal cog in the Liverpool machine this season as Jurgen Klopp’s side chase glory relentlessly on all fronts.
The veteran midfielder has already sculpted his name into footballing folklore at Barcelona and Bayern Munich and could etch it on Merseyside history too come the end of the campaign. His ability to add the x-factor in the middle of the park has been visible for all to see as he continues to go from strength to strength.
One team that could be watching on in envy is Manchester United. The Red Devils fell prey to Thiago’s influence last week as Liverpool schooled their arch-rivals at Anfield. Had things turned out differently, the 31-year-might might have been turning out for the Old Trafford outfit.
That is according to Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand presents Five podcast on Youtube, the former defender said that the midfielder was open to moving to Man United.
“I spoke to him at the time. He speaks perfect English, he was a great guy, wanted to come to United.”
Manchester United could certainly have done with a player of the Spaniard’s quality, pulling the strings in midfield. Not only has the opportunity passed them by, but they also have to watch the same player work his magic at their biggest rivals.
Thiago, for his part, could have had no complaints. He appears to be loving life at Liverpool as the club continue to dominate the football scene under Klopp. The same cannot be said of Manchester United, who appear to be light years away from attaining the same level.
Ferdinand too admitted to the same and believes the player’s joy speaks for itself. Thiago’s performances against both Manchester United and Everton were nothing short of majestic and reminded everyone of what he is capable of on the ball. “But you look at him now and he couldn’t be happier,” the Manchester United legend said.
When exactly Thiago was open to moving to Manchester United is unclear. The player was seen as a major transfer target during his time at Barcelona. However, then-Manchester United manager David Moyes chose against signing the Spaniard. Flash forward nine years, and that mistake is now clear for all to see.
