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Real Madrid legend reveals Man Utd snub as Ten Hag 'plots move' for La Liga star

Mark Carruthers
·2-min read
Manchester United's Dutch manager Erik ten Hag arrives to walk on the pitch ahead of the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage in London on November 4, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Real Madrid and Spain defender Sergio Ramos has revealed he came close to joining Manchester United earlier in his career.

The four-time Champions League winner was reportedly a target for the Red Devils during Louis van Gaal’s reign at Old Trafford - but snubbed an offer during the summer of 2015 to remain at Real Madrid.

Ramos finally left the La Liga giants in 2021 before going on to enjoy a two-year spell with Paris Saint-Germain before returning to his first club Sevilla on a one-year deal earlier this season - but Ramos’ career path could have been very different after he revealed just how close he came to joining United eight years ago.

Guido Rodriguez
Guido Rodriguez

Speaking in an interview with The Mirror, Ramos said: “I stayed where I should have stayed, Real Madrid, but I was indeed close to playing for United.

“It was not to be, but I do keep that admiration for the club, to the Premier League and the players, because the rhythm of play, the pace is different, and it’s a league we can all learn a great deal from, all of us.

“So that was not meant to be. I was glad to stay in Madrid, and now I’m glad to be in Sevilla.”

United reignite interest in La Liga star

Erik ten Hag is reportedly ‘keeping tabs’ on Real Betis star Guido Rodriguez as the former Ajax manager looks to further enhance his options in midfield.

Despite the presence of the likes of Scott McTominay and summer signing Sofyan Amrabat within his ranks, Ten Hag has reportedly asked the Old Trafford hierarchy for ‘one more stopper’ in midfield during the January transfer window.

Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo have claimed 29-times capped Argentina international Rodriguez is his preferred option as the Betis midfielder enters the final months of his current deal with the La Liga club.

Betis are said to be keen to retain the services of Rodriguez but have been unable to come to an agreement over a new deal and are ‘preparing for the unwanted scenario’ of his departure in the new year.