Star Manchester United once bid £36m for could have ‘easily’ played for Red Devils

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Darron Gibson is convinced that his former Everton team-mate Leighton Baines could have ‘easily played’ for Manchester United ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash between the two clubs.

If David Moyes had his way, Darron Gibson’s theory might have been put to the test.

During his one and only summer in the Old Trafford hotseat, Moyes failed with a £36 million bid for a player who had blossomed into the one of the Premier League’s best under his stewardship in Everton blue (The Guardian).

In the end, Marouane Fellaini was the only Goodison Park player who would reunite with the Scot at Manchester United. And while the Belgian battering ram never really won over a sceptical United fanbase, Baines went from strength-to-strength.

Manchester United wanted Everton legend Leighton Baines

With 53, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson is the only so-called ‘defender’ in the Premier League era to have more assists to his name, Baines’ securing himself a seat alongside Duncan Ferguson, Tim Cahill and co in the pantheon of Everton legends when hanging up his boots in 2020.

“Bainesy was unbelievable,” Gibson tells The Toffees website. “Great left foot, always fit, and he was consistent. He was always a solid eight out of 10, at least. He set pieces were brilliant, too.

“He’s right up there with the best full-backs I played with. And he could’ve easily played in the United team I was in as well.”

Gibson, who represented both clubs during his time in England’s top flight, will watch on with plenty of interest as a fired-up Everton host Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Luke Shaw returns at last

United could even welcome back their own star left-back, Luke Shaw finally returning to full training this week after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“We’ve had so many injuries,” Red Devils legend Paul Scholes tells TNT Sport, neither Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Sofyan Amrabat nor Sergio Reguilon managing to emulate Shaw’s impact on the left.

“(Ten Hag has) emphasised he wants a settled back four. He’s not been able to pick a settled back four all season. It’s just not been right.

“Luke Shaw’s a big miss. He gives you real balance on the left-hand side. He gets you up the pitch with his pace. I think he’s been a huge miss.”