Newcastle star drops shock revelation: ‘very close’ to joining Man United in 2021 | OneFootball

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has confirmed he came very close to joining Manchester United in 2021.

The Red Devils were in the market for a right-back and were keen to secure his services.

However, a deal did not materialise and he joined Newcastle for £12 million in the January transfer window.

Speaking with Gary Neville on The Overlap, Trippier admitted United were interested in signing him.

He said: “I wanted to come back to England – my family were finding it very difficult.

“I could’ve stayed at Madrid – I could’ve signed a new three-year contract, but as a player, you have to be realistic about where you can go.

“I couldn’t go to (Manchester) City or Liverpool as I was restricted to certain clubs.

“United came in straight after the Euros and that was very close. Obviously, growing up being a Red as well with all my family, but it didn’t happen.

“Everything happens for a reason – it just fell away really.”

Dalot benefited from United not signing Trippier

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the United manager in 2021 and had the option of showing faith in Diogo Dalot or signing a new right-back.

The Red Devils attempted to sign Trippier with a bid of around £9 million, but Atletico Madrid wanted them to meet the £30m release clause in his contract.

Atletico subsequently accepted a £12m offer from Newcastle, who were operating under the new regime backed by the Saudi Arabian-led Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Dalot seized the opportunity and flourished, capitalising on United missing out on Trippier.

He returned from his loan at AC Milan as a much more confident defender, eager to contribute defensively and offensively.

Dalot has now established himself as the first-choice right-back under Erik ten Hag after a splendid season.

Trippier would have been a fine addition to the United squad, but the club made a wiser choice by trusting Dalot rather than opting for a short-term fix.