Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann has confirmed he held talks with Manchester United about a summer move to Old Trafford.
Following Dean Henderson’s season-long loan move to Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest, Erik ten Hag was keen to sign a goalkeeper during the summer transfer window.
As well as Tom Heaton, the former Ajax boss wanted another stopper to provide competition and cover to United’s number one David de Gea.
Several names were linked with a switch to the Theatre of Dreams including the likes of Yann Sommer and Kevin Trapp, as well as Bachmann.
However, like Sommer and Trapp, a move for the 13-time Austria international didn’t materialise and Manchester United instead signed Newcastle United keeper Martin Dubravka on a season-long loan deal.
Daniel Bachmann confirms he held talks with Manchester United about move
Following former United goalkeeper Ben Foster departing Vicarage Road as a free agent in the summer, Bachmann has become the Hornets’ number one.
The 28-year-old has played all eight of Watford’s Championship matches under new boss Rob Edwards and he has three clean sheets to his name so far this season.
Bachmann, who will be looking to earn an international recall under former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, has confirmed that he held talks with the Red Devils.
Speaking to LAOLA1, the Austrian said: “There have been talks with Manchester United. This is no secret. Of course, it’s cool to be associated with such a club. It was also a serious story.
“There were negotiations between the clubs and of course also between me and the clubs. In the end, however, I am still a Watford player and very happy about it.
“Because here I play regularly, bring my performances and hopefully can play a role in the national team again.”
Bachmann confirmed that United made contact at the end of May, but with there being no breakthrough in the deal by mid-July, all parties involved in the transfer decided to move on.
Bachmann’s national team appearances wouldn’t have likely been boosted with him sitting on the bench playing second fiddle to De Gea.