Moises Caicedo could give Manchester United transfer regret in Brighton fixture

Manchester United have been made to rue plenty of the signings they’ve made over the past few years. This weekend, they could be haunted by one that slipped through their fingers.

Back in December 2020, United had their sights set on Moises Caicedo – then of Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle – and looked well set to bring the promising young midfielder to Old Trafford. Once the January transfer window rolled around though, their attempts came to nothing.

United shelved their plans after talks became compromised by the involvement of various intermediaries, with a source telling the Manchester Evening News, the deal became ‘too messy’. Another source went as far as describing the negotiations as a ‘clusterf***’.

ALSO READ: Manchester United transfer timeline could see Erik ten Hag land top target

All the work United had put in on a potential €6million deal amounted to nothing. Just weeks later, they watched on as Brighton succeeded where they had failed, completing the signing of Caicedo for £4.5million.

The midfielder’s arrival on the south coast wasn’t an immediate success. With his opportunities limited, Caicedo made his way out on loan to Belgian side Beerschot at the start of the current season, before returning to the Amex Stadium in January.

Since being given his chance last month against Arsenal though, the 20-year-old has begun showing why there was so much interest in him last year. The midfielder has been in sensational form in recent weeks, helping Brighton to wins over the Gunners, Tottenham and Wolves – next in his sights are the side that passed up on the chance to sign him.

Given the way United’s season has gone, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if fans are left relaying the immortal phrase ‘look at