Toni Kroos revealed he had a deal with Manchester United, but negotiations broke down when Real decided to sign him
The Germany international had agreed a deal with then-manager David Moyes, a decision that seemed set in stone. However, as negotiations progressed, Moyes was sacked by United and Louis van Gaal took the reins. The new regime at United has decided not to pursue Kroos, and the midfielder has chosen to reconsider his options.
In an interview with SPORT1, Kroos said: “In 2014, before signing with Real Madrid, I had already reached a deal with Manchester United. It would have been a transfer from Bayern to United. But then they fired David Moyes, who I was always sitting on my couch with in Munich, and hired Louis van Gaal. Then we both declined with thanks.”
Article continues below
As negotiations with United broke down, Real Madrid took full advantage of the situation. The lure of the Santiago Bernabeu, combined with the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, led him to the Spanish capital, where he would write one of the most glorious chapters in the club’s history.
“The World Cup started, and Ancelotti made contact – that was it,” Kroos explained.
During a glittering career in the Spanish capital, Kroos won five Champions League titles. As well as his European triumphs, Kroos has won five Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups. His role in Real Madrid’s midfield, alongside players like Luka Modric and Casemiro, has been instrumental in the club’s dominance of European football over the past decade.
