David Moyes pulled plug on Man Utd's transfer for Thiago as he didn't know enough about him… then signed Fellaini

MANCHESTER UNITED were close to signing Bayern Munich star Thiago in 2013 but David Moyes vetoed it, according to reports.

Instead the Scot signed Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini on deadline day.


Thiago ended up signing for Bayern where he has since won seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League.

Whereas Fellaini only managed an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League title with United.

Sir Alex Ferguson had set up a £17million deal to sign Thiago, 29, from Barcelona before his retirement, according to ESPN.

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But once he had left Old Trafford the decision fell to his replacement – and now West Ham manager – Moyes.

Thiago was said to be keen on a Nou Camp exit in order to play first-team football.

But Moyes reportedly shut the move down because he did not know enough about the Spanish international.

The Scot had been told by United chiefs they were planning a mega move that summer – with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo being mentioned.

And as a result he held off on giving the Thiago deal the green light.

United reportedly attempted to sign Thiago's Barca team-mate Cesc Fabregas instead but that move also fell through.

So having missed out on several targets, Moyes was forced to raid his old club and sign Fellaini on the last day of the summer transfer window.

Thiago could be making a belated move to the Premier League this summer with United interested again.

But the Spaniard is said to be leaning more towards Liverpool.

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