Ruud van Nistelrooy proven right on £35m Manchester United transfer decision after January deal

Manchester United "rejected" Cody Gakpo just six months before he went on to sign for Liverpool. Two years on from his PSV Eindhoven exit, the Dutchman has opened up on just how close he came to moving to Old Trafford.

In his time at Anfield, Gakpo has gone on to score 37 times in 111 games - prior to Wednesday night's Champions League clash with his old club. United, meanwhile, have struggled to find regular contributors in attack and have shelled out mountains of cash in the process.

Picked up for only £35millon, Gakpo has largely showed up those who United have turned to. In the same window he made the switch to England, for example, Wout Weghorst completed a loan to United and would only go on to score two goals.

Since then, United have continued searching for an answer up front and have purchased Rasmus Hojlund for over £70million. Gakpo's international teammate, Joshua Zirkzee, arrived for more than £30million over the summer.

As a versatile attacker, Gakpo is also able to operate from the left, where he has found form under Arne Slot and for his country. Cutting in on to his stronger right foot, Gakpo provides an option from both flanks - when needed.

United "turned down" the chance to bring him in, though Having been a target for a while, Gakpo saw that deal collapse. "In the summer of 2022 I was almost planning to leave and I almost went to United at the end," he told TNT Sports. "They didn't want me anymore. Things happened and everything. Then I could stay here or go to join other clubs."

Gakpo went on to spend just half a season more in the Eredivisie. During that time, he fired in 13 goals in 24 games under Ruud van Nistelrooy, assisting another 17. It earned him the transfer to Liverpool.

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