JAMES RODRIGUEZ could have been leading Manchester United’s attack this season had the club chosen not to snub a move for the Everton star.
The Old Trafford giants are thought to have turned their noses up at a top scout’s assessments of the No10 when he caught their eye a decade ago.
Manchester United turn their backs on a move for James Rodriguez in 2010 as his style ‘didn’t suit’ the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association
And it is reported United officials considered the midfielder’s playing style unsuitable for England’s top flight at the time.
The Colombia international, whose Toffees team face the Red Devils on Saturday, was playing for Argentinian side Banfield when he was watched by scout Jose Margoya.
And the United talent spotter, who scoured Argentina for potential transfer targets, was reportedly a huge admirer of the former Real Madrid playmaker.
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Rodriguez’s performances for Argentinian side Banfield caught the eye of one of United’s top scoutsCredit: AFP – Getty
Margoya’s colleague Marcelo Teixeira, who worked for United South America, told The Telegraph: “Jose Mayorga, was a big fan of James.
“Mayorga always included James’ name in his reports, but the evaluation from the club was that his playing style didn’t suit the Premier League.”
Rodriguez, 29, has enjoyed an impressive start to his Everton career, netting three times and providing three assists in his first six Prem games.
We always dreamed of getting to a big club, and since I was a child, I always admired Manchester
James Rodriguez
And the former LaLiga star, who switched to Everton on a free transfer in the summer, picked up a Player of the Month nomination in September.
It’s a far cry from the tricky spell he endured at Real Madrid where he was deemed surplus to requirements in the summer.
The Colombian, who was reportedly monitored by Sir Alex Ferguson during his Old Trafford reign, revealed United made attempts to sign him in 2012.
It is thought their bid followed a failed move for Eden Hazard that year.
And Rodriguez ended up rejecting United’s overture – opting for a switch to Monaco instead.
Rodriguez told Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube show ‘The Locker Room: “There was some kind of talk there.
“My agent (Jorge Mendes) has a great relationship with the club.
“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.”
James Rodriguez has enjoyed a fine start to his Prem career winning a Player of the Month nomination in September Credit: AP:Associated Press
James, who suffered a painful testicular injury last month, has won early plaudits from pundits including Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher.
The former England defender told Sky Sports: “He’s been a revelation at Everton and completely changed the mood with the supporters.
“It gives everyone in the squad a lift when you come to the training ground and see a player of that quality. They’d see that quality day in and day out, and it lifts standards.”
James Rodriguez reportedly struggling with testicle injury and is battling to be fit
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
