Man Utd could have signed Fabregas or Kroos instead of Herrera
MANCHESTER UNITED passed up the opportunity to sign Chelsea star and former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, as well as Real Madrid playmaker Toni Kroos, in order to complete a deal for Ander Herrera.
According to the Daily Telegraph, former United boss David Moyes had made Fabregas and Kroos his top two transfer targets before receiving the chop for failing to qualify for the Champions League.
The two creative talents remained on a shortlist until Van Gaal's appointment, but were quickly removed by the Dutchman as he sought to bring in his own choice of players.
The revelation will come as a shock to United fans, who were expecting to sign Kroos from Bayern Munich as part of a major team overhaul.
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Cesc Fabregas was a target for Man Utd before joining Chelsea
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However, the World Cup winner opted to join Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded squad instead, and has already become a fan favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Fabregas completed a surprise move to Chelsea after Arsene Wenger chose not to re-sign the ex-Arsenal man, and has already helped himself to an impressive 19 assists in all competitions as Jose Mourinho's men lead the hunt for the Premier League title.
Herrera, on the other hand, has failed to live up to expectations under Van Gaal, and the Telegraph adds that a summer exit is on the cards for the former Athletic Bilbao hero.