Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has very candidly revealed the names of 10 high-profile players he tried to lure to Old Trafford during his time with the Red Devils, including then-FC Barcelona superstar Neymar.
Click through the gallery above to see the 10 players Van Gaal claimed he wanted to sign during his time at United.
It is well known that the Red Devils have missed out on several of their transfer targets since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, although it is rare that a manager discusses which players he moved for.
Ex-United boss Van Gaal, who spent two years at the club between 2014 and 2016, has now named the footballers he wished to sign for the 20-time English champions, and admitted that while he discussed a move for Neymar with the board, there were more superstars on his list.
"I wanted Robert Lewandowski, but when this proved difficult, I tried to get Gonzalo Higuain instead," he told FourFourTwo.
"Before I had arrived, I also spoke with the board about Neymar. If you are at United, you have to think big.
"He was also interesting for the club in terms of selling shirts, and I wanted to have quick wingers. For that reason, I also tried to get Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez.
"Thomas Muller was on my wish list, too, and in central midfield I wanted N'Golo Kante.
"I even tried to sign James Milner, who was already quite old but very multi-functional and possessed leadership skills.
"For the defence, I wanted Sergio Ramos and Mats Hummels, because ours wasn't the strongest in building from the back."
9 Transfers Close To Being Completed
Van Gaal was replaced by Jose Mourinho in the Old Trafford hot seat in 2016, despite winning the FA Cup final in his second and final season with the club.
Where do you think United would be today if they had signed these players? Let us know in the comments section below.
