Man Utd fans are only just finding out who they held 'initial talks' with last summer and it could have changed everything

Manchester United held initial talks with the representatives of one of Europe's best young players last summer, but they missed out signing the future Champions League winner – a decision they must live to regret.

Following his takeover of the club in February last year, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS team prioritised strengthening four positions ahead of the 2024/25 campaign – a full-back, centre-back, central-midfielder and a forward.

United eventually spent around £200 million on Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee.

But before the window had even opened, those behind the scenes at Old Trafford were active in their negotiations. In fact, United held initial talks with the representatives of then-Rennes forward Desire Doue, according to SCOOP.

It was suggested that a formal approach 'could be made in the coming weeks' amid interest from a host of clubs, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

In fact, INEOS were said to be "eager" to act quickly on the highly-rated forward as they didn't want to lose out, but PSG moved quickly to secure a deal worth £43 million – and the rest is history.

Doue finished the 2024/25 campaign with 15 goals and 16 assists to his name as Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain lifted a historic Champions League title following a convincing 5-0 win over Inter Milan.

After notching two goals and an assist in the final, Doue was named the Champions League Young Player of the Season.

"Doue has been a revelation this season," said the UEFA Technical Observer Group. "He made an incredible breakthrough in the knockout phase, going to the final and producing a Player of the Match performance on Saturday night, becoming the first teenager to score twice in a final.

"It's great to have role models who can encourage other young players to shine in the future."

Speaking in his post-match interview on Saturday, Doue added: "I can't believe what happened: we made history for the club in French football, in European football. It was a great season. We're a great team collectively, and we showed it."

Doue was one of PSG's standout performers last season. Image credit: Getty

Shortly after the final, SCOOP's post about United's interest in Doue last summer re-emerged.

One fan reacted by saying: "We never listen to our scouts," while a second wrote: "Who’s here after PSG won the Champions League courtesy of a Doue madness?"

A third commented: "I swear whenever a wonderkid performs someone comes with news that we almost signed him."

A fourth said: "Scouting never the problem," and a fifth added: "Generational fumble."