In a stunning revelation that will leave Manchester United fans wondering what might have been, legendary manager Jose Mourinho has disclosed the club's missed opportunity to sign Portuguese sensation Pedro Neto for a mere £18 million.
The One That Got Away
Speaking candidly about transfer dealings during his tenure at Old Trafford, Mourinho confirmed that United had identified Neto as a prime target before his move from Braga to Wolverhampton Wanderers. "We were there," Mourinho revealed, highlighting how close the Red Devils came to securing the talented winger.
The Portuguese manager's admission comes as Neto continues to set the Champions League alight with his performances for Bayern Munich, having joined the German giants this summer after an impressive £58 million transfer from Wolves.
From Molineux to Munich
Neto's journey from the Midlands to Bavaria serves as a testament to his remarkable development. During his time at Wolves, the 24-year-old established himself as one of the Premier League's most exciting attacking talents, catching the eye of Europe's elite clubs with his blistering pace and creative flair.
His £58 million move to Bayern Munich represents a significant profit for Wolves and underscores just how much his value has appreciated since United could have secured his services for less than a third of that amount.
Garnacho Comparison Adds Intrigue
Mourinho's revelation becomes even more poignant when considering his comparison between Neto and current United star Alejandro Garnacho. The Special One suggested that Neto possessed similar qualities to the Argentine winger, raising questions about how different United's attacking options might look today.
While Garnacho has developed into an important player for Erik ten Hag's side, the thought of having both young talents in the same squad is enough to make United supporters dream of alternative realities.
Champions League Brilliance
Neto has wasted no time making his mark in Germany, delivering standout performances in Europe's premier club competition. His adaptation to the demands of Champions League football has been seamless, demonstrating exactly why Bayern were willing to invest so heavily in his potential.
The winger's success story serves as both an inspiration to young players and a cautionary tale for clubs about the importance of acting decisively in the transfer market when genuine talent becomes available.
As Neto continues to shine on football's biggest stages, Mourinho's revelation will undoubtedly fuel discussions about transfer strategy and missed opportunities at Old Trafford for years to come.
