The Potential Manchester United Transfer That Never Happened
Introduction:
When Toni Kroos takes the field at Wembley Stadium on Saturday for the Champions League final, it will mark the end of an illustrious club career. With a chance to win his sixth Champions League winners’ medal, the stage couldn’t be more fitting for this modern-day great. However, it’s worth wondering what could have been if things had unfolded differently a decade ago. Kroos was once on the verge of joining Manchester United, and his potential signing could have been as influential as Eric Cantona.
The Missed Opportunity:
Following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes took charge at Manchester United and immediately prioritized bringing Kroos to Old Trafford. A meeting between the midfielder, his wife Jessica, and Moyes went so well that Kroos expressed his willingness to make the move from Bayern Munich to Manchester. In fact, Kroos himself admitted a few years ago that he had verbally agreed to join United, stating, “So yes, it was close – I almost went to United.”
The Pivotal Moment:
Many respected figures in football believe that signing Kroos could have been a pivotal moment in Manchester United’s history, comparable to the impact Cantona had. Having one of the world’s finest playmakers in their midfield would have undoubtedly transformed the team. However, fate had other plans, as Moyes was sacked before the transfer could materialize.
Choosing Real Madrid:
When Louis van Gaal took over as Manchester United manager, it seemed that Kroos would finally make the move to England. However, Carlo Ancelotti, who had worked with Kroos at Bayern Munich, convinced him that Real Madrid was a better option. Given the subsequent fortunes of both clubs, it’s a decision Kroos doesn’t regret, although he would have relished the chance to test himself in the Premier League.
The Consistent Midfield Duo:
While Manchester United struggled to find stability in their midfield, Kroos and his partner, Luka Modric, formed one of Europe’s finest double acts at Real Madrid. Modric’s exceptional performances even earned him the Ballon d’Or, making him one of only two players outside of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the prestigious award in the past 15 years. Kroos, though often overlooked, has been the reliable force behind Real Madrid’s success.
The German Efficiency:
Kroos has been the embodiment of consistency and efficiency throughout his career. His passing accuracy has been exceptional, with a staggering 90% average over 250 appearances for Real Madrid. He is the epitome of “vorsprung durch technik” – always reliable, unflappable, and successful. Despite his age, Kroos remains a trusted figure for guidance and advice among his younger teammates.
The International Return:
Kroos’s impact extends beyond club football. After briefly retiring from international duty, he was convinced by Julian Nagelsmann to return to the German national team. In his first game back, Kroos provided an assist within seven seconds, helping Germany secure a confidence-boosting victory over France. This performance silenced critics who believed he was no longer up to the highest level.
The King of Europe:
As Kroos prepares to bid farewell to club football, it’s likely that he will end his career as a king of Europe. If all goes according to plan at Wembley on Saturday, he will add another Champions League winners’ medal to his already impressive collection. It’s a moment that could have been for Manchester United if they hadn’t prematurely ended Moyes’s tenure.
Conclusion:
While the opportunity to sign Toni Kroos slipped through Manchester United’s grasp, his impact on the game cannot be overstated. A player of immense quality and consistency, Kroos has been a key figure in Real Madrid’s success. As he prepares for his final chapter in club football, there is no doubt that his legacy will endure, both as a player and as a potential what-if for Manchester United.