It Was Revealed That Thiago Alcantara Was Begging For A Move To Man United

Thiago Alcantara (Instagram @thiago6)

JAKARTA - Rio Ferdinand revealed that he was called by Thiago Alcantara in 2013 hoping he could arrange a move to Manchester United.

The Liverpool and Spain midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford eight years ago, especially after his man-of-the-match appearance against Italy in the Euro Under-21 final.

The speculation then became even more intense when someone - believed to be United and Spain goalkeeper David de Gea - wrote 'See you in Manchester' on Thiago's match ball after he scored a hat-trick in that game in Jerusalem.

United is looking to add fresh blood to an old squad that has just won its 20th league title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season in charge of the club.

Ferdinand admitted Thiago had caught the eye in United's 2-1 pre-season win against Barcelona in Maryland in July 2011, in which the Spain midfielder scored.

Two years later De Gea bridged it by giving his partner Ferdinand's number to Thiago to talk about his move. However, the former England defender claims United's hierarchy consisting of new boss David Moyes and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward decided not to sign the then Barcelona star.

"Before Thiago left Barcelona, ​​he called me," six-time Premier League winner Ferdinand told his YouTube show Vibe with FIVE.

"We played against Barcelona in America on tour. He played as a number 10, and he scored world goals.

👨🏻‍💻 CRÓNICA | La @SeFutbol se va invicta de la Eurocopa tras el triunfo italiano en los penaltis (1-1 y 4-2).

➡️ España ofrece una extraordinaria lección de pundonor en una semifinal para la historia.https://t.co/MJBHtSke5i#SomosEspaña #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/R6YrowXuvK

— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) July 6, 2021

"So we found out about him, and a few years later, Moyes became manager.

"I didn't speak to Thiago, I didn't know him, but David de Gea gave him my number," the 42-year-old continued.

"He called me, and he said: 'Rio, I would love to come to Man United. Is there anyone I can talk to or can you speak for me just to see the interest?''

"So I spoke to the people at the club, Moyes and Woodward. I mentioned it."

Ferdinand later said he was told by both: "No, we are already on track with some other players."

United is not the only team interested in the 23-year-old. Former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, who at the time coached Bayern Munich, wants to reunite his former team.

And Ferdinand claims Thiago - who revealed in 2018 he left Barcelona in search of playing time - was given only one day by the Bundesliga giants to decide his next move, which ultimately saw him move to the Allianz Arena.

"He was given 24 hours, Thiago, to make a decision," added Ferdinand.

Thiago has finally joined Bayern and the rest is history. He made 235 appearances for the German giants and won seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League crown.

In the summer of last year, he moved to United's arch-rivals, Liverpool.