Manchester United’s list of “what ifs” in the transfer market could rival the quality of their actual squad.
For over a decade, United’s recruitment has been plagued by indecision, hesitation, and costly mistakes.
Even when the club has moved quickly, they’ve often backed out of deals, only to return later and pay a higher price.
Mike Phelan has now revealed a world-class name United scouted but ultimately passed on.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, “The Mike Phelan Coaching Channel,” he lifted the lid on a major transfer miss.
Mike Phelan reveals Ousmane Dembele was on club’s radar
Ousmane Dembele has proved to be a late developer, currently thriving at PSG after years of stalled potential.
The 27-year-old has so far, been a key part of success under Luis Enrique.
Dembele recently scored at Anfield to knock Liverpool out in the UEFA Champions League.
The Frenchman who has 30 goals in 37 appearances this season, was once firmly on United’s radar.
“We discussed him, yeah. Good players are always on the radar,” Phelan admitted.
“Certainly [he would have improved the team we had].
“There were discussions around the table… but ultimately, decisions higher up get made – budget, finance, who knows…”
United’s hesitation has cost them talents like Moises Caicedo and Erling Haaland in the past.
However, INEOS is looking to change that narrative with a more proactive approach to transfers.
Beating AC Milan to Joshua Zirkzee and edging out Real Madrid for Leny Yoro are signs of a new strategy.
At youth level, securing Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi shows a level of efficiency the previous regime lacked.
The mistakes of the past still haunt United, but Phelan’s revelation is yet another reminder of what could have been.
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