Manchester United have previously missed out on top transfer targets who opted to join different clubs
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos and Brazil football icon Ronaldinho are some of the high-profile players who failed to make a move to Old Trafford
Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt is the latest footballer to turn down a transfer to the Premier League with the Manchester club

Manchester United are among a few football clubs that many word-class players would gladly join with a snap of the finger.

However, despite the club's prestigious status, the Red Devils have previously been rejected by top players who turned down potential moves to Old Trafford.

Former Barcelona forward Ronaldinho poses with the trophy for the best player after a charity football match between Barcelona Legends vs Manchester United Legends at the Camp Nou. Photo: Pau Barrena.
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According to the Daily Star, Juventus ace Matthijs de Ligt is the latest footballer to decline a switch to the Premier League with United.

But he will not be the only one to reject the Red Devils, with Toni Kroos and Ronaldinho among some of the top players who never donned a United shirt despite strong links to the club.

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Below are the top 10 footballers who turned down Old Trafford moves:

10. Gareth Bale

After shooting to prominence at Tottenham Hotspur, Gareth Bale was linked with a move to Man United in 2013.

However, the Welshman opted to move to the La Liga with Real Madrid where he has spent seven years.

Bale will soon become a free agent after cutting ties with Real Madrid and could afford United a chance to finally sign him.

9. Thiago Alcantara

Thiago Alcantara was on Man United's radar during David Moyes' tenure at the club.

At the time, the midfielder was turning out for Barcelona and opted to join Bayern Munich instead.

8. Sergio Ramos

The Real Madrid legend was on the verge of leaving Santiago Bernabeu in 2015, with United emerging as firm favourites to sign him.

However, the Spaniard ended up penning a new five-year deal with Los Blancos.

7. N'Golo Kante

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The France international was wanted by Jose Mourinho at the Theatre of Dreams in 2016.

However, Chelsea beat United to the signing of the World Cup-winning star.

6. Cesc Fabregas

David Moyes openly expressed a desire to sign the Arsenal icon after he had fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona.

The Spaniard opted to fight for his place at the Camp Nou before he moved to Stamford Bridge a year later.

5. Alan Shearer

The Newcastle United legend was a top target for Sir Alex Ferguson during Man United's glory days.

Incredibly, the Englishman chose to stay at St. James Park and turned his back on Fergie.

4. Alvaro Morata

Alvaro Morata revealed back in 2017 that Man United had expressed interest in signing him.

The Spaniard eventually joined rivals, Chelsea, where he endured a torrid spell before he moved to Atletico Madrid.

3. Toni Kroos

Man United came close to signing the German midfielder under David Moyes.

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However, the Red Devils were unable to get the deal over the line, with Kroos eventually moving to Real Madrid.

2. Ronaldinho

Sir Alex Ferguson was a huge admirer of the Brazil football icon.

However, Ronaldinho ended up swapping Paris Saint-Germain for Barcelona.

He later had stints with AC Milan and Flamengo.

1. Erling Haaland

And finally in the top 10 list is Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian was linked with a move to Old Trafford during his spell at RB Salzburg.

However, the forward moved to Borussia Dortmund instead and has since joined Man City, United's arch-rivals.

Jurrien Timber unsure about Man United move

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Jurrien Timber has poured cold water on the possibility of him dumping Ajax for a move to Manchester United.

United are believed to have shortlisted the Dutchman in their summer transfer wishlist as Erik ten Hag kicks off his reign at Old Trafford.

But according to Timber, he would rather continue his development at Ajax than gamble on his future with a move to a "big club."

Authors

Fred Kennedy

Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.