Manchester United mulled making a move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha before securing the services of Sofyan Amrabat on loan, according to reports.
The Portugal international was widely expected to move away from Craven Cottage during the summer transfer window after a blistering 2022/23 campaign for Marco Silva’s side.
Terms were agreed with Bayern Munich, with head coach Thomas Tuchel particularly keen to facilitate the move, and Palhinha even travelled to Munich ahead of a planned medical as negotiations between the two clubs continued.
However, Bayern were far from the only club interested in the former Sporting Lisbon player, with Erik ten Hag also keen on making a move – only opting to call time on the idea as Bayern’s involvement ramped up.
Joao Palhinha was interested in a potential move to Manchester United before his abortive deal with Bayern Munich
The midfielder impressed head coach Erik ten Hag during Fulham and United’s three meetings
As per the Athletic, the Dutch manager had been particularly impressed with the midfielder’s performances against his side, which were full of needle.
The Red Devils had to rely on a late goal from Alejandro Garnacho to get them over the line in a cagey 2-1 victory against Silva’s team in November, replicating the scoreline when they met again in the Premier League in May.
Opponents in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, Fulham were holding United’s feet to the fire by some measure before the careless run card meted out to Aleksandar Mitrovic turned the game in the home side’s favour.
Palhinha for his part is also believed to have been interested in a move north to Old Trafford, and Man United have thought to have looked to allow for the transfer with the potential sale of Scott McTominay to Bayern, who had also been tracked by Tuchel.
Instead, however, Man United opted to bring in Amrabat on an £8million loan deal that gives the club the option to buy the player for £21m at the end of the campaign should the Fiorentina midfielder adapt nicely to life in the Premier League.
Amrabat has been handed the No 4 shirt, his number in Serie A – 34 – currently in posession of the out-of-favour Donny van de Beek.
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Although the English transfer window has closed, Man United are still hopeful of securing a move for the former Ajax starlet, who has failed to adjust to th since since his 2020 transfer from the Eredivise.
Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce are thought to be interested in signing the player, whose uncertain future was confirmed with his exclusion from Man United’s 25-man Champions League squad.
Despite failing to greenlight his move to Bayern on deadline day, Palhinha is thought to be optimistic about his prospect of one day joining the Bundesliga champions.
His brother and agent Goncalo said: ‘They didn’t kill the dream, they just postponed it’, adding: ‘Very proud of my brother and the player I represent.’
The agent praised the ‘respect, honesty and professionalism’ shown by Bayern and added: ‘Words of appreciation, recognition and thanks to the entire Bayern structure. The affection for the club in our family will remain forever even though my brother didn’t sign.’
The club announced their final signing of the window, Sofyan Amrabat, on deadline day
Palhinha was back in the squad and played a key role in Fulham’s Carabao Cup win vs Spurs
Silva also showed concern for his player, urging fans to support their midfielder in the wake of the deal’s collapse.
‘It was a tough day for him, definitely, probably one of the toughest days of his life,’ Silva said at the time. ‘He loves Fulham, he loves football, he loves to be with us.
‘He had the fantastic season last season and he’s always a player that gives 100 per cent for the shirt but he had a big chance to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world and he was really close.
‘You can imagine the impact that has on a football player when these type of things happen. He is going to need support from all of us – the coaching staff, our fans and his team-mates.’
