Kroos had a verbal agreement to join United from Bayern Munich in 2013, according to Moyes’ recollection. Instead, he stayed in Germany for another season before moving to Real Madrid, where he became a central figure in one of Europe’s most successful teams.
The Ronaldinho saga remains even more painful. United were reportedly close to signing the Brazilian from Paris Saint-Germain in 2003, viewing him as a possible successor to David Beckham. Barcelona ultimately won the race, and Ronaldinho went on to claim the Ballon d’Or in Spain.
There were also decisions beyond United’s control. Alan Shearer initially leaned towards Old Trafford in 1996, but a further conversation with Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan changed his mind. He became a club icon on Tyneside instead.
Paulo Dybala was linked with a swap involving Romelu Lukaku in 2019, but the Argentine reportedly chose to remain at Juventus. John Obi Mikel, despite signing a pre-contract with United, eventually joined Chelsea after a complicated recruitment battle.
Those cases are different from Ederson’s situation. A player changing his mind, a rival club intervening and medical concerns are separate problems. Yet each leaves the same uncomfortable feeling: the decisive moment arrives, and United are not the club holding the winning paperwork.
The latest update says Michael Carrick has confirmed arrivals including Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow and Youri Tielemans. The bigger test now is whether United can finish the window with a squad that reflects planning rather than panic. The Ederson episode-and whichever alternative follows-will be the next chapter in a transfer story that has lasted decades.