Former Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal opened up on his time at the English club in an interview with FourFourTwo.
Van Gaal was appointed as United’s manager in the summer of 2014 after his 3rd place finish in the World Cup with the Netherlands. He was at Old Trafford for two years and was sacked in the summer of 2016, two days after winning the FA Cup.
Van Gaal spoke in the interview about the signings he wanted at the club.
He said: “I wanted Robert Lewandowski, but when this proved difficult I tried to get Gonzalo Higuain instead”.
‘Before I had arrived, I also spoke with the board about Neymar. If you are at United, you have to think big. He was also interesting for the club in terms of selling shirts, and I wanted to have quick wingers.
‘For that reason, I also tried to get Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez. Thomas Muller was on my wish list, too, and in central midfield, I wanted N’Golo Kanté“.
He added: ‘I even tried to sign James Milner, who was already quite old but very multifunctional and possessed leadership skills. For the defence, I wanted Sergio Ramos and Mats Hummels, because ours wasn’t the strongest in building from the back.
‘Those were my top targets, but we couldn’t get any of them. I don’t know why, because as the manager I wasn’t involved in any negotiations.”
Manchester United broke the British transfer fee record to sign Angel Di Maria for a £60m fee under van Gaal. The Argentinean left the club after spending a year with the Red Devils.
Looking at names like Lewandowski, Mane, N’Golo Kante, Ramos and Neymar, one could only imagine how illustrious United’s squad could’ve been.
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