Former Argentina international Lucas Biglia has reflected on how a transfer to Manchester United almost materialised in 2015.
Louis van Gaal spent two years as Manchester United manager and was tasked with rebuilding a squad that had declined post-Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Dutch coach implemented a possession-heavy, structured system, and he was known for his strict methods and willingness to promote players from the academy.
United had horrible luck in the transfer market after signing an array of players. The most significant signings include Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial.
Despite winning the FA Cup in 2016, Van Gaal was sacked two days afterwards and replaced by Jose Mourinho. United also finished fifth in the Dutchman’s final season, narrowly missing out on a place in the Champions League.
Lucas Biglia playing for AC Milan
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lucas Biglia reflects on Man Utd transfer in 2015
Former Lazio and AC Milan star Lucas Biglia has explained how interest from United in 2015 almost led to him moving to the Premier League.
The defensive midfielder made 58 appearances for the Argentina national team, but a proposed move to United never materialised.
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Biglia was playing for Lazio at the time, but they were unwilling to listen to any offers.
“I came in for a lot of criticism from the fans because I wanted to leave,” Biglia told FlashScore.
“That was because in 2015 I’d received an offer from Manchester United, when (Louis) Van Gaal was there. Lotito (Lazio owner) told me he’d never let me go, and I agreed to stay on the condition that we renewed my contract.
“On top of that, Marcelo Bielsa was about to arrive, but in the end nothing came of it. I was promised a new contract, but it never materialised.”
Biglia retired in 2023, but he is currently coaching at Anderlecht in Belgium.
Who did Louis van Gaal sign for Man Utd’s midfield?
Herrera was undoubtedly the best midfielder signed under Van Gaal at United.
However, in terms of defensive midfielders, France international Morgan Schneiderlin joined from Southampton.
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Schneiderlin’s transfer did not go as planned because he struggled to perform at the highest level.
Van Gaal also signed Blind, but the Netherlands international was better suited to a role in the back four.