“It was true” – Barcelona player’s agent held talks with Manchester United over summer move

According to former Atlético winger Paulo Futre, Manchester United were offered the opportunity to sign Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix before his eventual loan move to Barcelona.

In an interview with Cadena Ser’s El Larguero, Futre revealed that it was the 23-year-old’s agent, Jorge Mendes, who told him about his proposed offer to the United hierarchy on a move to Old Trafford.

“When João said he dreamed of playing for Barça I began to live a nightmare that lasts to this day. I called him [Mendes] and told him that the statements that João had made were his doing and he said no,” he said.

“We argued on the phone and he told me that he had spoken to Manchester United. I verified what he told me because I have friends and it was true. Later he had spoken with Manchester City, I also checked and they didn’t want João either.

“What happened between João and Cholo [Diego Simeone] happens every day in football. It’s something normal. What is not normal is that phenomenal coaches knew that João was a genius (…) he entered their game system, but nobody wanted him.

“Neither Arteta, nor Guardiola, nor Klopp, any club… My question is why? The only team that has wanted him has been Aston Villa. João said no when there was an agreement between Atleti and Aston Villa at the beginning of July.”