Fulham star Joao Palhinha was interested in a summer move to Manchester United with Erik ten Hag understood to be a big fan.
Erik Ten Hag wanted to bring new life to his midfield this summer and we have seen a number of changes.
Mason Mount came in from Chelsea whilst Fred was allowed to leave, completing a move to Fenerbahce in Turkey.
United left it late to add one more midfielder though, finally securing the loan signing of Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat on deadline day.
The Moroccan arrives as another defensively-minded midfielder who can either cover for Casemiro or play alongside the Brazilian.
United did have other options on the radar though and it seems that Fulham star Joao Palhinha was one of them.
Joao Palhinha was keen on Manchester United move
The Athletic now report that Bayern Munich did have a very genuine interest in signing United midfielder Scott McTominay.
Bayern ended up pivoting to Fulham ace Palhinha instead, pushing to try and complete a late deal for the Portugal international.
Palhinha was in Munich for a medical after a £65million deal was agreed between the two clubs.
MORE UNITED STORIES
The deal fell through as Fulham couldn’t find a replacement, though just how hard they really tried is anybody’s guess.
Intriguingly, it’s stated that United did also look at Palhinha with some real admirers inside Old Trafford.
Ten Hag was understood to have been impressed with Palhinha against United last season and fancied luring him to Manchester.
Palhinha was even keen on the idea of joining United but Amrabat was preferred and ultimately suited Ten Hag’s budget a little better.
At least United don’t have to face Palhinha in the Champions League
Palhinha could have been an impressive signing for United based on his outstanding performances for Fulham.
Hailed as ‘absolutely phenomenal’ by pundit Danny Murphy, Palhinha was a defensive powerhouse under Marco Silva and would have helped plug some gaps in the United midfield.
The move never really got off the ground but United will at least be happy that Palhinha isn’t a Champions League opponent this season.
Bayern and United will lock horns twice in the Champions League group stage this season and will be desperate to claim top spot.
Palhinha could have been a major factor in that equation but Bayern have missed out, much to United’s relief.