Rio Ferdinand reveals Liverpool star 'wanted' to come to Man Utd

Rio Ferdinand claims Thiago Alcantara ‘wanted’ to join Manchester United before he sealed his move to Liverpool.

The Liverpool star is playing some of the best football of his career in the heart of the Reds’ midfield at present as he aims to play his part in stopping Manchester City’s bid to retain their title.

Liverpool signed Thiago for a bargain £20m in 2020 from Bayern Munich but former United defender Ferdinand says he previously tried to convince him to join his old side.

‘Thiago has been the stand out midfielder for the last few weeks and months he’s been absolutely top,’ he said on his Vibe With Five podcast.

‘You look at his stats? Thiago’s pass accuracy by the way in the last two games against Everton and Man Utd 98.4 % against Everton and 95.6% against Everton that is ridiculous.

‘I spoke to him at the time. He speaks perfect English, he was a great guy, wanted to come to United. But you look at him now and he couldn’t be happier.

‘What I would like to talk about just with Thiago and finish it with him is that Thiago you could have gone to a huge amount of the fanbase after last season and would have said he isn’t good enough for us, he isn’t the player he thought he was, German League, Bundesliga he’s slowing us down let’s get him out.

‘There were ex-players I saw saying he’s side to side, doesn’t play the ball forward he isn’t ready-made for this league. Players need time.

‘It goes back to this thing with managers and Man Utd as well the club need to give the manager at Man Utd patience, the clubs need and the fans need to give players that come in from other leagues especially patience.

‘Sancho is another example. I bet you see a better player with Sancho next season for sure.’

Thiago will be hoping his