Best XI of targets who Man Utd have failed to sign this summer – from Vardy to De Jong

Jamie Vardy committed his future to Leicester City and rubber stamped his rejection of Manchester United in the process.

The former England international has signed a new contract with Brendan Rodgers’ side until the summer of 2024. His latest showing off loyalty towards the Foxes has also put an end to speculation linking him with a shock move to United.

As well as many other areas off the pitch, Erik ten Hag’s side have been after a new striker this summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo still reportedly agonising for a move. And with another apparent target running as far away from United as possible, Daily Star Sport consider a starting eleven of United targets from the summer.

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GK: Illan Meslier

With David de Gea moving closer to his sell-by date and Dean Henderson slamming the club after joining Nottingham Forest on loan, United were linked with a shock move for Illan Meslier. While there have been many nervous moments, the 22-year-old Frenchman has impressed since joining the club from Lorient in the summer of 2020.

According to the Athletic, United had set aside some funds for a new shot-stopper and Meslier’s name appeared to be in the mix. However, Jesse Marsch’s side made it very clear the Frenchman would not be going anywhere – especially to their local rivals.

RB: Thomas Meunier

Thomas Meunier appeared to a be a relatively realistic target until Borussia Dortmund very quickly slammed the door on that move. Ten Hag does not appear to be satisfied by Aaron Wan-Bassaka or Diogo Dalot, and the experienced Belgian could have been a perfect solution.

Unfortunately, Dortmund were not interested in letting him part. “We currently see no reason to sell Meunier”, said Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl. At least their pursuit was killed quickly and somewhat painlessly.

CB: Jurrien Timber

At one point, Timber looked to have had his head turned by his former boss. That was until another ex-United manager and Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal burst in and told him not to go to Man Utd.

It was a phenomenal twist from a former United boss, who very quickly prevented Ten Hag from signing one of his top targets. To ensure any possible signs of life in the transfer were stamped out, Timber recently signed a new contract until 2025 at the club.

CB: Pau Torres

Pau Torres has been a classy but assured presence for Villarreal. He has provided the defensive fortifications at the back for Unai Emery’s side’s Europa League triumph and their venture to the Champions League semi-final.

Reports from the Manchester Evening News claimed Ten Hag wanted to sign the Spaniard, who had a release clause believed to have been around £55m within his contract. But a move never materialised as Ten Hag looked to stick to what he knew by signing Lisandro Martinez from Ajax – unfortunately, the Premier League appears to be a tall order for the Argentine.

LB: Nicolas Tagliafico

Tagliafico was one of the first names on the team sheet throughout Ten Hag’s time at Ajax. And it should not have raised any eyebrows when reports from the Sun claimed he had appeared on one of the Dutchman’s transfer shortlists.

However, Ten Hag opted to sign Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. Tagliafico instead opted to join French side for around £3.65m. Malacia is yet to start a Premier League match but he has looked reasonably bright when he has appeared of the bench.

CM: Frenkie de Jong

United’s transfer target for midfield consisted of Frenkie de Jong, Frenkie De Jong, and, you’ve guessed it, Frenkie de Jong. But while United did manage to agree a fee with Barcelona, the Dutchman nailed his colours to the mast and refused to leave.

He is currently at loggerheads with the club after some alleged deferred wages and a reported refusal to take a paycut. However, there is still a chance that he could sign for Chelsea before the window slams shut.

CM: Kalvin Phillips

Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a move to Manchester United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign at the club. The former Leeds captain was reportedly identified as the perfect central midfielder to protect the back four at Old Trafford.

However, his affiliation to Leeds, not just as a player but as somebody who lived and grew up in the city, meant he could never join the club, The England international eventually signed for United’s fierce rivals Manchester City in a deal worth £42m.

RW: Jamie Vardy

The iconic striker was reportedly courted by United as a possible option to bolster their forward line. Anthony Martial’s injury coupled with Ronaldo’s apparent eagerness to depart means United are very short in options up front.

Reports from The Sun even listed United as the favourites to sign the 35-year-old. However, as already mentioned, he chose to remain at the King Power Stadium, signing a two-year deal to stay at the club.

LW: Antony

Man Utd are reportedly set to renew their interest in Ajax’s Brazilian sensation. The silky smooth, tricky winger was one of the first players rumoured to join the Ten Hag era.

However, Ajax reportedly raised their asking price of Antony from an already hefty £67m to an eye watering £84m. It seems like an awful lot of money but United do have an impressive record of breaking the bank, not always successfully, to sign one of their top targets.

ST: Darwin Nunez

At one point, United were one of the favourites to sign the fiery Liverpool forward. Jurgen Klopp’s side made Nunez their most expensive signing, splashing out £85m to prise him from Benfica.

Unfortunately for the Red Devils, United were just too hesitant in their approach to sign the Uruguayan ace. The only positive is that he will be suspended for their upcoming meeting at Old Trafford.

ST: Benjamin Sesko

19-year-old Benjamin Sesko has been making the very same headlines as a certain Erling Haaland, when he was a precocious youngster at RB Salzburg. The 19-year-old striker looks to have everything: a huge stocky frame, frightening pace, an eye for goal, and the ice cool composure of an assassin.

But he does not have a move to United in the pipeline as he opted to stay within the Red Bull empire by signing a pre-contract with RB Leipzig ahead of next season. The Red Devils reportedly rejected the chance to sign him when he was a more unknown quantity for around £2.5m – how they must regret that decision.

Man Utd’s XI of players they missed out on (4-2-2-2):

Meslier; Meunier, Torres, Timber, Tagliafico; De Jong, Phillips; Vardy, Antony; Sesko, Nunez

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