Man Utd news: Toni Kroos transfer fell through because of one man - Richard Keys
MANCHESTER UNITED failed to sign Toni Kroos in 2014 because the midfielder did not want to play under Louis van Gaal again, claims veteran broadcaster Richard Keys.
United have a proud history of counting some of the world’s top midfielders among their ranks and were keen for Kroos to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.
The Germany international decided off the back of winning the World Cup in 2014 that he wanted a fresh start having spent most of his career at Bayern Munich.
But just four days on from his country’s win over Argentina in Brazil he swapped Bayern for La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Kroos’ decision sent Manchester United back to the drawing board after missing out on a deal David Moyes had started working on during his nightmare tenure.
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Man Utd news: Toni Kroos transfer fell through because of one man - Richard Keys (Image: GETTY)
Former United midfielder Paul Ince has branded the situation at his old club a "total mess".
"Other clubs and fans are having a field day at the minute, seeing what is happening at Man United," Ince said.
"They’re becoming a laughing stock and falling behind.
"Everything at Man United from top to bottom is in turmoil and it shows.
"Should Mourinho leave? No.
Man Utd news: Toni Kroos transfer fell through because of one man - Richard Keys (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd news: Toni Kroos transfer fell through because of one man - Richard Keys (Image: GETTY)
"Should Man United as a club get their house in order? Absolutely.
"That’s the whole lot, from the top down, Ed Woodward, Jose Mourinho, Paul Pogba, everything is a total mess.
"I can see now that fans are turning against Jose Mourinho and I can understand why.
"When you see Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham – they’re all playing the kind of football you expect from a Manchester United side.
"I watched the game on Sunday and I physically couldn’t see what Mourinho and United were trying to do.
"There was no game-plan whatsoever. He is a proven manager but the style he’s playing at United doesn’t suit the club and never will."