Everton new-boy James Rodriguez has revealed Manchester United tried to acquire his services eight years ago.
In 2012, a then 21-year-old Rodriguez was making waves with FC Porto - catching the eye of several teams across Europe with a slew of impressive performances for Vítor Pereira's side.
Among the teams impressed by the Colombia international were Manchester United, who offered the winger a contract at Old Trafford.
"I believe it was in 2012," Rodriguez recalled of United's interest in signing him during an interview with BT Sport.
"The club [Man Utd] had offered me something, but in the end that didn't happen because of some reason I don't know.
"But well - football always leads you to the correct path, to a team where you can actually play well."
United's failure to capture Rodriguez paved the way for the Colombian to join Ligue 1 side Monaco, whom he spent a solitary season with before leaving them to join Spanish giants Real Madrid after an impressive showing at the 2014 World Cup.
'If it didn't happen, it was for some consistent reason," Rodriguez continued. "Maybe I wasn't ready for it, or maybe it was because I was made to play in another great team.
"In the end, I had the opportunity to go to France, and that was the path that I could follow."
Rodriguez - who will be in action against United later today- is a long-term admirer of the Old Trafford club, telling Rio Ferdinand: "We always dreamed of getting to a big club, and since I was a child, I always admired Manchester.
"I always saw those teams with Rio together with [Ryan] Giggs and [Paul] Scholes. There were a lot of prodigious players and I wanted to get there in that year. But it didn’t happen.
"I thought I had to play for a club that wasn’t so big.
"So, I went to France just before the World Cup and my plan was to go to the World Cup, have a great tournament, score goals, reach a good level and then play for a big club."
Rodriguez and his Everton team-mates will welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park this afternoon.
Vuabeknosu
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Omo he is remaining Woodward that he's still have interest of joining United from his words.
zizzorh
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what pity
Lizbozz7292
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[image]
I dey with you
PiyushJoshi
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I keep wondering what all the obsession about Marcus Rashford is all about. After all that extremely poor performance at Istanbul I am shocked at his inclusion in this your suggested lineup. Drop him and play Maison Greenwood!!!
I would say martial needs to be dropped. look at cavani and Bruno press that's how enthusiastic you should be martial just seem too lazy Cavani should be a threat to his starting position then he would show a little bit more intent
Cikaklmnt
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where are you now
Michealseeker1
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True talk don't attack him pls
How was the match
Michealseeker1
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per his performance, who in United center is better than him
How was the match bro
Mwene98
4
No wonder he was no where in the whole match! However, I just wanted to say "Happy Birthday" to David De Gea. He got his sweet birthday gift, 3-1 win!!!
Kipacilnpz
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and Manchester United showed you the reason why they didn't do any deal with real Madrid
ELIKEMSAM
1
football in a whole is unpredictable
Yeah... 👍
Ayaanzzy_10
1
You'll still fail today if you meet United. Surely..!
football in a whole is unpredictable
ELIKEMSAM
1
i feel stupid now
Cheers....! football, you never know..! Sometimes United is unpredictable.
Ayaanzzy_10
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I told you so...as they were well beaten. But seriously, United is inconsistent.
i feel stupid now
ELIKEMSAM
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this aged well
I told you so...as they were well beaten. But seriously, United is inconsistent.
Michealseeker1
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True talk don't attack him pls
Chelsea fan talking last season we're you five meeting four trashing go and seat down one side OK go and watch the match and reply mi later baby boy 👦
Michealseeker1
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per his performance, who in United center is better than him
Watch the match and argue later little bro 😂 😂 😂
Ayaanzzy_10
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You'll still fail today if you meet United. Surely..!
this aged well
MrMeeeeeee
6
People make fun of certain managers about almost signing players 🤔... The joke is on you because every BIG club in the world are chasing the best players so obviously there would of been contract. The people who laugh at this show their lack of knowledge 🤣😂... I'm almost certain you all are Trump supporters because you're gullible like them.
Tudacnpz
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Yes cos you want we're you can be boss not disciple so in Manchester United a lot of boss there who are far better than you so your story is like a prodigal son running around all clubs without rest of mind
per his performance, who in United center is better than him
Mawulityma
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Yes cos you want we're you can be boss not disciple so in Manchester United a lot of boss there who are far better than you so your story is like a prodigal son running around all clubs without rest of mind
True talk don't attack him pls
ELIKEMSAM
4
You'll still fail today if you meet United. Surely..!
Pianski
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Man United and the rumourus about signing player are better story than a fast and furious [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Michealseeker1
3
Yes cos you want we're you can be boss not disciple so in Manchester United a lot of boss there who are far better than you so your story is like a prodigal son running around all clubs without rest of mind
AmInnocent
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I keep wondering what all the obsession about Marcus Rashford is all about. After all that extremely poor performance at Istanbul I am shocked at his inclusion in this your suggested lineup. Drop him and play Maison Greenwood!!!
He wasn't the only one who underperformed in that match.
Riwcdlnouz
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This will work perfectly.
[image]
I keep wondering what all the obsession about Marcus Rashford is all about. After all that extremely poor performance at Istanbul I am shocked at his inclusion in this your suggested lineup. Drop him and play Maison Greenwood!!!
Hotabckn
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[image]
this ain't FIFA bro😂
Viwbdeils
2
James before are coming back
AmInnocent
0
Good lineup pal
Thanks
Wezadioptz
1
This will work perfectly.
[image]
Good lineup pal
Vodacenors
2
He's lucky he didn't go. Man U is good but looking at what he won with RM and Bayern I think it's good his transfer failed then
kinkuntha
2
Manchester is never serious with signing good players. show them what they missed this afternoon 🤣
AmInnocent
3
This will work perfectly.
Rob84
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formation vs Everton after defeat ucl
SantiagoBarnabeau
4
Sir Alex never finished the league out of the top 4 in his career Rodriguez would've been good in his squad
CR7AVEIROHD
7