Trippier on Manchester United links: I almost joined the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened

June 16 – Ahead of England’s opening Euro Cup group match, defender Kieran Trippier spoke to Sky Sports and revealed details about his move to Newcastle United, during which he discussed why a potential transfer to Manchester United did not materialize.

In the interview, Trippier gave a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding his failed move to Manchester United, stating that the club’s interest in him had “faded away.”

The 33-year-old England international was heavily linked with United before he left Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2021. However, the transfer didn’t come to fruition, and Trippier stayed in Spain for another six months before joining Newcastle United for £12 million in the January transfer window of the following year. In the past 18 months, he has become one of the most influential players at the Magpies. It is well known that Trippier started his career at Manchester City and has been a lifelong fan of the Red Devils.

“When I was in Madrid, the season before I left was a difficult one for various reasons. I just wanted to get back to England, and my family were finding it tough. I could have stayed at Atlético, I could have signed a new three-year deal. On the day I left, Simeone didn’t want me to go in the car park, but it was the right decision for my family at the right time,” he said.

Addressing Gary Neville’s question about United’s interest, Trippier went on to say that he thought the move “seemed like the perfect fit,” and he would have played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer if it had gone through.

Trippier explained, “The Manchester United deal just didn’t happen. Solskjaer was the manager at the time, and everything looked perfect. I was delighted – Manchester United is the biggest club in the world. But it didn’t happen, and I went back to Madrid. Six months later, I joined Newcastle United.”

When asked if he plans to play for a few more years, he added, “Absolutely. I look forward to training every day. I’ve never thought about when I might finish playing, let alone for the national team. You never know (if it’s his last international tournament). I’m never the type to officially retire – I’ll be there as long as I’m needed.”