Why Manchester United failed in their attempts to sign Virgil van Dijk | OneFootball

It’s rarely a good idea to wonder ‘what if?’ as a football fan, but this is probably one of the more incredible sliding doors moments in recent memory.

Virgil van Dijk’s signing from Southampton in January 2018 will go down as one of the best in the Premier League, with the Dutch defender making Liverpool the complete outfit.

Van Dijk’s towering presence has been vital in the Reds rise to Premier League title-chasers and their waltz to the Champions League semi-final.

It could have all been so different though.

According to the Times, Manchester United made a late play to try and sign the Dutchman 18 months ago and even offered more than Liverpool for the centre-back.

But with Van Dijk’s switch to Anfield all-but completed, United pulled out of the deal and looked at other options instead.