The year is 2013, and Sir Alex Ferguson is leading his army to securing a record 20th premier league title for Manchester United with three matches to go.
Although finishing the season on a high, a decision would soon shock the Premier League, with Sir Alex Ferguson privately indicating to his fellow peers of his desire to retire from football.
It was at this time the Red Devils manager contacted Everton’s David Moyes, informing the fellow Scotsman that he would be the successor for Manchester United.
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During Sir Alex Ferguson’s conversation with David Moyes, numerous topics were at hand about the future of Manchester United, with one being reported as the signing of Cesc Fabregas.
Cesc Fabregas in 2013 was one of the best players in his respective position and had shown off his ability in the Premier League during his time at Arsenal. At Arsenal Cesc Fabregas was a key player in Arsene Wenger's squad and displayed his technical ability on the big stage at the Premier league.
Ultimately Fabregas’ rich form saw the Spaniard rejoin his boyhood club Barcelona in 2011.
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In the article written by The Athletic, Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly showed admiration for Cesc Fabregas’ technical ability by ‘highlighting the players ability to receive the ball with his back to goal, twist a pass around the corner then run to get it back.’
Ferguson also believed that Fabregas was ‘an even better player away from home.’
These qualities were the main factor which led Fabregas into being the number one key target for Manchester United in 2013, with David Moyes now taking charge at the Theatre of Dreams.
David Moyes had been an admirer of Cesc Fabregas and heavily agreed with the view of Sir Alex Ferguson’s to bring the Spaniard back to the Premier League.
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It is also reported that the Scotsman spoke to Fabregas twice that summer in an attempt to sign the talented midfielder.
Fabregas’ statistics displayed his ability that season with the Spaniard playing 3,253 minutes whilst producing 14 goals and 13 assists. Unfortunately, this form did not resonate in the opinion of the Barcelona manager, who did not see Fabregas in his plans against the big teams, which ultimately let to Fabregas becoming unsettled at the club.
Fabregas explained to David Moyes that if he did not start for Barcelona in the first game of the season, that he would request a trade to Manchester United – and has football would have it, Fabregas was included in the starting lineup against Levente and the rest was history.
The following year Barcelona failed to live up to expectations and Fabregas was finally on the move. Unfortunately for United, a new manager was appointed in Louis van Gaal who was not so fond of the idea of securing the services of Cesc Fabregas.
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This saw the talented midfielder join Chelsea in 2014 where the Spaniard would go on to have a successful career by winning the league title twice, FA cup and Europa league trophy.
Who knows how United’s midfield would have shaped up had the talented Spanyard not started against Levante...
But one thing is for sure: Manchester United could really do with a player like him right now.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Arsenal, Chelsea