MANCHESTER UNITED rejected Boubacar Kamara, Denis Zakaria and Julian Alvarez in January due to uncertainty over Ralf Rangnick’s future.
That’s transfer guru Fabrizio Romano’s claim as it’s thought United want to delay splashing out until naming a permanent boss in the summer.
Instead French midfielder Kamara stayed with Marseille, Juventus signed Arsenal target Zakaria from Borussia Monchengladbach and Argentina striker Alvarez joined Manchester City.
Turning down the chance to recruit Kamara might stun Old Trafford fans as it’s understood interim chief Rangnick’s priority is to find such an anchorman.
The departures of Donny van de Beek to Everton and Anthony Martial to Sevilla were United’s only real activity in January.
And the Red Devils reportedly blocked temporary moves for England midfielder Jesse Lingard and second-choice keeper Dean Henderson.
Rangnick will play a key role at the end of the season when United make a permanent appointment following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in November.
And the German is said to be compiling a breakdown of United’s individual and tactical issues, as well as a list of potential targets.
Romano also believes United said no to Alvarez ‘many times’.
The 22-year-old went on to join neighbours City for £17m on a five-and-a-half-year deal before rejoining River Plate on loan.
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Meanwhile, Swiss midfielder Zakaria had been linked to Premier League giants, especially Arsenal and United, for several months.
But Juve nipped in as they were reportedly the only club willing to pay a fee for the 25-year-old six months before his contract expires.
Rangnick will now look to Paul Pogba to regain full fitness in the second half of the campaign.
But the German has admitted the French World Cup winner could still end up leaving, with Real Madrid and Juventus in the running.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk