Ones that got away: A team of signings Man Utd missed out on

United’s ill-fated determination to land Ramos saw bullish Otamendi, widely regarded as the Red Devils’ back-up plan, snaffled by City while Louis van Gaal wasn’t looking. Could this be a season-defining error?

Left back: Fabio Coentrao
In 2013, the Mancunians were left blushing after a late loan bid for the Real Madrid full back, on deadline day no less, fell through at the last minute. Failure to secure Leighton Baines in the fist place led to the disorganised scramble.

Central midfield: Cesc Fabregas
Try as he might, David Moyes could not tempt Fabregas to Old Trafford, despite the Spaniard flirting with a move in a long 2013 summer saga. Barcelona, of course, retained their man, only for Chelsea to steal him a season later. Ouch.

Attacking midfield: Ronaldinho
Old Trafford was alight in 2003, with rumours that Brazil superstar Ronaldinho was to arrive from PSG, yet there were reports of poor negotiating with the Parisians, and the trickster eventually headed to Camp Nou instead. The rest is history.

Right forward: Pedro

Welcome to Chelsea, @_Pedro17_! #CFC pic.twitter.com/UGc6yYBQsx

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 20, 2015

Can the Red Devils really have wanted Pedro? It appears United kept haggling over pocket change, allowing transfer market masters Chelsea to step in and act decisively. Just watch Pedro make Man Utd rue their hesitancy now.

Centre forward: Alan Shearer
Ferguson only found frustration is his pursuit of striker Shearer. The prolific poacher first chose Blackburn Rovers over the Mancunians, later snubbing Old Trafford again in favor of hometown team Newcastle United. As he went on to become a local legend, the decision did not turn out too badly.

Having reached his ceiling with Spurs, the Wales talisman then turned down the chance to emulate compatriot Ryan Giggs to become Real Madrid’s world-record signing, going on to win the Champions League.