Antonio Rudiger speaks out on Manchester Utd links after signing for Real Madrid

Antonio Rudiger says he never considered joining any club other than Real Madrid this summer despite interest from Manchester United.

The German has signed a four-year contract with the Spanish giants after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer.

United were also thought to be vying for the 29-year-old’s signature, with Erik ten Hag wanting to bolster his defence after Harry Maguire’s struggles last season.

However, Rudiger has revealed a move to Old Trafford was never in the pipeline despite reports.

Speaking to Marca, he said: ‘In this period it is true that there have been many conversations, but if I am honest, I only considered Madrid or Chelsea.’

Rudiger was highly coveted having become a mainstay at Stamford Bridge under Thomas Tuchel.

Last season, he made over 54 appearances and starred in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in 2021.

With his Premier League experience, Rudiger could have helped to patch up United’s leaky backline.

The Red Devils conceded 57 league goals last term – the worst record in the top eight – with Raphael Varane struggling since his arrival from Real Madrid.

Speaking during his time as interim manager at Old Trafford, Ralf Rangnick berated United’s defence after surrendering several leads in games last season.

He said: ‘How many games we have been 1-0 or 2-0 up and in the end only got a point – it’s easily six, eight points that we should have. But it brings us back to the same situation, that we just didn’t defend well enough.

‘If you want to defend properly in this league, where every team has its individual weapons on the pitch, you just have to defend. You have to be physical, you shouldn’t just allow them to go past and through our lines as easy as that. That’s what this team doesn’t