David Moyes’ pursuit of Cesc Fabregas stopped Manchester United from re-signing Paul Pogba in 2013
David Moyes’ decision to pursue Cesc Fabregas in the summer of 2013 cost Manchester United the chance to re-sign Paul Pogba from Juventus.
The France international left Old Trafford 12 months previously on a free transfer in order to make a name for himself in Turin.
Under the guidance of first Antonio Conte and then Massimiliano Allegri, Pogba flourished into one of the best midfielders in the world before eventually coming back to the Red Devils in a deal worth £89million in 2016.
Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016 for £89million
But it transpires United could have brought the precocious talent back to the club just 12 months after he joined Juve.
According to The Athletic, the club were made aware of Pogba’s desire to return after Sir Alex Ferguson was replaced by Moyes.
But the former Everton boss focussed his attention on trying to sign former Arsenal captain Fabregas from Barcelona in a £25m deal.
The Spain international was reluctant to leave Catalonia at that point and opted to stay, meaning the Scot returned to Goodison Park and signed Marouane Fellaini.
Moyes found it tough going at Manchester United
Moyes infamously lasted just 10 months in the hot seat, while Pogba collected three Serie A and two Coppa Italia trophies before eventually joining United.
Fabregas did return to England, but made the move to west London in 2014 as he joined Chelsea – explaining why he turned his back on a potential return to the Gunners.
“Once I decide to leave (Barcelona), Arsenal will have the first option of any other club and I cannot speak to any other club for one week to see if Arsenal want me or not,” he told Arsecast.
“Arsene didn’t give an answer, we just had to wait one full week to see if they responded. Definitely this was my first option, in my mind I’m telling everyone I’m going to Arsenal – this is what I want.
Cesc Fabregas proved to be a huge success at Chelsea
“Arsene can see this. I didn’t want to be a beggar, they know the situation, in one week they haven’t said anything, straight away I knew they probably didn’t want me back. They waited the full week without giving me a response.
“After the week I had to take my chance, I had Manchester City, United and then I spoke to Mourinho – which I didn’t think would ever happen.
“To be honest, after I left the room with Mourinho I said, ‘that’s it, I don’t need to talk to anyone else, I’m going to Chelsea.’ What he told me, the team he wanted to make, what he thought of me, how he wanted me to play, this is what I wanted.
“On top of that it’s London and not Manchester, London was my home.”
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