Louis van Gaal revealed that Sergio Ramos, Robert Lewandowski, and Neymar were part of his 10-man shortlist of transfer targets for Manchester United.
Van Gaal spent two seasons in the Manchester United dugout upon replacing David Moyes in 2014. He restored the club’s Champions League status in his first campaign, but it was a largely underwhelming spell overall.
The former Barcelona and Netherlands boss recorded 54 wins, 24 draws, and 25 defeats in his 103 matches, with the 2015/16 FA Cup being his sole triumph before Jose Mourinho replaced him.
Several big-name signings also flopped during his reign at Old Trafford including Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Memphis Depay, and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
But it turns out that Van Gaal, who confirmed his retirement from management last year, tried to sign even more high profile players.
“I wanted Robert Lewandowski, but when this proved difficult I tried to get Gonzalo Higuain instead,” the 69-year-old told FourFourTwo.
“Before I had arrived, I also spoke with the board about Neymar. If you are at United, you have to think big.
Louis van Gaal says he tried to sign the following players for Man Utd 🤪
– Neymar
– Robert Lewandowski
– Sergio Ramos
– Sadio Mane
– Thomas Muller
– N'Golo Kante
– Riyad Mahrez
– Gonzalo Higuain
– Mats Hummels
– James Milner😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Tn4z5Lea5M
— Goal (@goal) August 25, 2020
“He was also interesting for the club in terms of selling shirts, and I wanted to have quick wingers. For that reason, I also tried to get Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez.
“Thomas Muller was on my wish list, too, and in central midfield I wanted N’Golo Kanté.
“I even tried to sign James Milner, who was already quite old but very multi-functional and possessed leadership skills.
“For the defense, I wanted Sergio Ramos and Mats Hummels, because ours wasn’t the strongest in building from the back.”
Sounds like not much has changed since Van Gaal left either, with United still struggling to land their top transfer targets.
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