Manchester United had Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli on trial four times but decided not to sign him.
The Brazilian had an agreement with his former club Ituano for multiple trials at United.
In an interview, Martinelli stated:
“My dad and I had watched the Premier League together, all the teams, like Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Leicester.
“In fact, I had four different tests at United when I was 13, 14, 15 and 16 years old.
“This was in Manchester at the club’s training base, where I played in the same age group as Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams, and met first-team players like Zlatan. [Ibrahimovic]Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra.
“However, there was never a moment when they said they wanted me there,” revealed the Brazilian.
“But it gave me a taste and made it a little easier for me to adapt because I had experienced football in England.”
“Even after those tests, I always believed in myself. My mind is always thinking: ‘I can do it’”.
Martinelli has been one of Arsenal’s standout players this season, scoring four goals and registering two assists in nine games.
With Mikel Arteta, the 21-year-old has developed enormously and looks like a future star.
It’s a shame that such a talent was one step away from becoming a Red Devil.
Hopefully United can improve their scouting, so they don’t miss out on potential gems like him again.
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