Anwar El Ghazi claims Manchester United move was ‘close’ in September – Man United News And Transfer News

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Former Aston Villa player Anwar El Ghazi claimed he was close to a move to Old Trafford last September.

The 29-year-old has been a free agent since leaving FSV Mainz 05 in November after making just three appearances for the Bundesliga outfit.

The Dutch forward played four years in the Premier League with Aston Villa and Everton and even made a few appearances for the Dutch national team.

However, when news of Jadon Sancho’s exclusion from the squad broke last September, there was much speculation as to what United would do to plug the hole left in the squad.

In addition, Antony was also absent from the squad due to ongoing legal issues and Mason Greenwood was rushed to Spain to leave United with options slim.

In the end, he would do nothing, but there were no less than incredible connections to El Ghazi, who was a free agent at the time.

Reports soon emerged to dismiss the idea that United were interested in the winger, but according to the player himself, the deal was a lot closer than people seem to appreciate.

In an interview with the BBC’s Shamoon Hafez, El Ghazi stated: “it was true that we were in discussions, but there was nothing concrete.”

“I was a free agent after I left PSV and they were struggling to find interior players. They were exploring the market. It was close, but unfortunately it didn’t go through.”

Asked El Ghazi about links to #MUFC last September: “It was true that we were in discussions, but there was nothing concrete. I was a free agent after I left PSV and they were struggling to find interior players.
“They were scouting the market. It was close, but unfortunately it didn’t go through.”

— Shamoon Hafez (@ShamoonHafez) June 3, 2024

While the deal seems outlandish, United have developed something of a reputation for striking loan deals of late.

Moves for Odion Ighalo in January 2020 and Wout Weghorst in 2023 demonstrate that the club has the potential for the unexpected.

Fortunately, El Ghazi was not signed as it gave Alejandro Garnacho the chance to emerge as a star on the wing and Amad Diallo was finally given the opportunity to show his talents at the end of the season.