'Spoke to the manager' - Liverpool star Cody Gakpo opens up on just how close he came to joining Man Utd after conversation with Erik ten Hag before completing Anfield transfer

Gakpo had seemed poised to join United in the summer of 2022 when Erik ten Hag was appointed manager at Old Trafford, but the move never materialised. Ten Hag was then made to rue a missed opportunity as Liverpool gazumped United and signed Gakpo the following winter. The Dutchman has now opened up on the transfer tussle between the clubs and how close he had been to joining Liverpool's fierce rivals.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Gakpo said: "I think it was the summer before that I was in contact with the club [Manchester United] and spoke to the manager as well, obviously he's Dutch. But, at the end it didn't go through and that's just it. And in the winter Liverpool came. [It was the] Best decision for me."

One can only sit and wonder what might have happened had United got their man in the summer before Liverpool. Instead, the Red Devils had to watch as Gakpo scored a brace against them in the 7-0 rout in March 2023. As for Ten Hag, he ended up signing Antony from Ajax who could leave United as one of the worst signings in the club's history.

Gakpo's Liverpool travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday hoping to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League. The recently-crowned Carabao Cup winners are dreaming of winning even more silverware this season.