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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“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
