Former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara says that he decided against joining Manchester United since there was no concrete offer from the Premier League outfit.
Thiago was seen as one of the finest offerings from the Barcelona academy in recent times, but he found first team opportunities limited at the Camp Nou due to the presence of Sergio Busquets. When he decided to leave Barcelona, there was no shortage of offers from top clubs across the world. Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City were some of those interested to sign him.
Thiago ended up joining Bayern Munich where he was reunited with his Barcelona mentor, Pep Guardiola. He has enjoyed a fine three seasons with the German outfit, who recently allowed Bastian Schweinsteiger to join the Old Trafford outfit. Former United manager David Moyes was very keen on signing Thiago, but to join Bayern Munich. Moyes’ lack of pedigree at the very top level was speculated as the reason for Thiago turning down a move to Old Trafford. However, the player has now opened up on the truth behind the failed move. He says that United did not show concrete interest whereas Bayern Munich were fully active in getting him from Barcelona.
“There was never any firm proposal [from Man United]. David de Gea wanted me to join. He wrote a message on my match ball after we’d beaten Italy in the final [of the European Under-21 Championship]. But I’d have done the same with him. He is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world. You always want to play with the best. But it was always going to be Munich. All I will say is that it [the Premier League] is an amazing league. I’m very happy at Bayern and fulfilled with what I am doing,” said Thiago.