Why Man Utd snubbed the chance to sign Man City star Julian Alvarez last season

Manchester United reportedly turned down the chance to sign Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez last season.

Alvarez arrived at the Etihad on transfer deadline day last summer from Argentinian giants River Plate in a deal worth around £15 million.

The 23-year-old has had to play second fiddle to Erling Haaland this season, following the Norwegian's extraordinary goalscoring form.

However, when an opportunity has come Alvarez's way, he has taken it with aplomb, for instance against Real Madrid, when he cooly slotted home City's fourth goal.

While he notched City's only goal against Chelsea on Sunday, as the Sky Blues celebrated winning their third consecutive Premier League title.

However, Alvarez almost signed for the other half of Manchester last season, but then-United manager Ralf Rangnick decided against a deal.

And with Erik ten Hag thought to be scouring the market for a top class striker this summer, Red Devils supporters may rue Rangnick's decision.

Alvarez has since won the Premier League with Manchester City and World Cup with Argentina. While he could also have an FA Cup and Champions League winners' medal before the season is up.

Why did Man Utd snub Alvarez?

According to The Express, Manchester United turned down the chance to sign Alvarez because they were desperate to land someone who was "ready to perform at the top level of the game immediately".

Cristiano Ronaldo was United's first-choice striker at the time, but the Portuguese superstar was struggling in front of goal at the time.

While Edinson Cavani was unable to get a regular run of games under his belt, with Rangnick seemingly thinking Alvarez would need time to adjust to the Premier League.

Manchester United find themselves in a similar situation once again, with Ten Hag keen to add an accomplished number nine to his ranks.

Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane have both been rumoured with moves to Old Trafford. However, the pair are expected to individually cost in excess of £100m.

With Alvarez costing City just a fraction of that price, the club's decision to look elsewhere may be a tough pill to swallow for United fans, knowing that he could have been wearing red this season