Ed Woodward ignored on ‘repeated occasions’ to sign Joao Cancelo for Manchester United after both Phil and Gary Neville recommended him, according to reports.
Manchester City signed Cancelo from Juventus in a stunning player-plus-cash deal in 2019, with the club putting up £27.4m and Brazilian right-back Danilo in their offer.
Cancelo, who can be deployed at both left-back and right-back, initially struggled at City before becoming a quintessential part of Pep Guardiola’s team.
The 27-year-old Portuguese defender has made 22 starts in the Premier League this season and scored once and registered five assists.
City on Tuesday announced that Cancelo had signed a new contract extension, which will keep the full-back at the Etihad until 2027.
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Cancelo is now considered one of the best full-backs in the world, but it would appear United missed out on snapping up the world-class star on more than one occasion.
That’s according to the Evening Standard’s James Robson, who claims the Neville brothers suggested former club United should sign Cancelo.
Woodward, who stepped down from his role at United as executive vice-chairman in February, ‘opted against’ a stunning transfer swoop for the Portugal international.
“Cancelo was personally recommended to Woodward on repeated occasions, but United opted against making a move,” Robson tweeted. “He is now absolutely fundamental to City.
“He was recommended by both Neville brothers - who know a thing or two about the position.”
Both Gary and Phil, who were manager and assistant manager at Valencia respectively, worked with Cancelo during their ill-fated spell with the La Liga club.
Since missing out on Cancelo, United have splashed out over £80m on signing full-backs Diogo Dalot, Alex Telles and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Speaking after inking his new deal, Cancelo insisted that City “offers me the best chance of fulfilling my ambitions.”
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The former Juventus defender told City’s official website: “Manchester City is a fantastic club, so I am incredibly happy to have signed this new agreement.
“City players have everything they need to reach their full potential, with amazing facilities, world-class teammates and an incredible manager who pushes us every single day.
“There is nowhere better to play football and it’s a pleasure to work here.
“I have so much I want to achieve before my career ends, and Manchester City offers me the best chance of fulfilling my ambitions.
“This new contract means I now have complete focus on improving my game and winning more trophies with this team.”
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/PATopics: Ed Woodward, Manchester United, Gary Neville, Joao Cancelo, Manchester City, England, Football, Phil Neville
Adnan Riaz