Jose Mourinho wanted Man United to sign ‘world-class’ player in 2017 but Victor Lindelof joined instead
The international break is a period of reflection, and Manchester United will still rue one decision they made eight years ago.
Manchester United beat Sunderland 2-0 before the international break, and while that somewhat eased the pressure off Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils must use that win as a momentum builder.
United are currently 10th in the table, and despite the negativity surrounding Amorim, are only three points behind rivals Manchester City.
On the pitch, it is clear that improvements are needed. Meanwhile, off the pitch, Football Insider understands that West Ham are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee.
The 24-year-old has struggled at Old Trafford since joining from Bologna in 2024, and he isn’t the only failure associated with the club.
Jose Mourinho wanted Man United to sign Virgil van Dijk in 2017
Amorim is one of the worst Man United managers to take the reins since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, whereas Jose Mourinho is arguably one of the best.
The ‘special one’ led the Red Devils to a Europa League and EFL Cup triumph during the 2016/17 campaign before winning the UEFA Super Cup.
Mourinho, who currently manages Benfica, was sacked by United in December 2018 after progress was halted, but there was one player who could have rescued him from being axed.
According to Sky Sports, the 62-year-old wanted to sign Virgil van Dijk in the summer of 2017 before he joined Liverpool for £75million later that year.
Sadly, Man United ended up paying £31m for Victor Lindelof during that summer, instead, someone who ultimately was nowhere near the level of Van Dijk.
The Dutchman has since become one of the Premier League’s best defenders, with Gary Neville lauding Van Dijk as ‘world-class’ throughout his time at Anfield.
Van Dijk’s record since failed Man United transfer
Since moving to Liverpool almost eight years ago, the 34-year-old has made 329 appearances for the Reds, while chipping in with an impressive 29 goals.
He’s also won several major honours, including two Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup and two Carabao Cup’s
| Major honours Virgil van Dijk has won at Liverpool |
| Premier League x2 (2020 & 2025) |
| Carabao Cup x2 (2022 & 2024) |
| FA Cup (2022) |
| UEFA Super Cup (2020) |
So, while Man United have mostly suffered in the past eight years, rivals Liverpool have been basquing in success, spearheaded by the defensive brilliance of Van Dijk.