Ten Hag's Antony alternative! Liverpool star reveals Man Utd talks

Tom Weber

• 2 Mar 2024 09:04 CST
• 4 min read

Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has opened up about how close he came to joining Manchester United in 2022.

The Dutch attacker has become one of the Reds' key players in recent weeks amid the ongoing injury crisis at Anfield. While things haven't always been easy for the 24-year-old since his move to England a year ago, the versatile forward has, on the whole, been doing a pretty good job for Jurgen Klopp.

Despite not being a guaranteed starter, Gakpo has notched 11 goals and five assists in 37 games this term, proving crucial to Liverpool's Carabao Cup victory after netting consecutively in the first four games of the competition. However, had things panned out slightly differently back in 2022, the Dutchman could be playing for Liverpool's great rivals Manchester United these days.

The striker has revealed that he was in talks with the Red Devils over a potential move in the summer of 2022, speaking personally to Erik ten Hag. But the coach eventually decided to pursue his former Ajax protégé Antony instead. The Brazilian, signed for a ridiculous €95 million, has since gone on to become one of the biggest flops in Premier League history and has been transfer-listed by Man Utd.

Gakpo on failed Man Utd move

Speaking to Sky Sports, Gakpo opened up about his failed move to Old Trafford. "It was the summer before [I joined Liverpool]. I was in contact with the club [Man Utd] and the manager - he's Dutch so I spoke to him as well. At the end of the day, it fell through, that's it, and in the winter Liverpool came. It was the best decision for me."

Gakpo joined the Reds from PSV for €42m in January 2023. The Dutchman will square up with Erik ten Hag and company in the FA Cup quarter-final on March 17 after Liverpool cruised past second-tier Southampton, while the Red Devils made hard work of their clash with Nottingham Forest.

In 63 games for the Reds, Gakpo has so far totalled 18 goals and eight assists. The man Man Utd signed instead of him, Antony, has recorded nine goals and four assists in 71 games. The 24-year-old is yet to produce a goal contribution in the Premier League this term.