Ryan Gravenberch has revealed Manchester United tried to sign him from Ajax this summer but he had already “given his word” to Bayern Munich.
The midfielder is set to complete a £21million switch to the German champions but Erik ten Hag, who had given him his senior debut at Ajax, made a late attempt to try and convince the 20-year-old to join him in moving to Old Trafford this year.
United are in the market for midfield reinforcements after Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard were among a glut of departures at the end of their respective contracts. Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Fred are the only senior midfielders on United’s books, although Andreas Pereira and James Garner are returning from loans.
