Cody Gakpo opens up on failed Manchester United move

PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo has admitted that he was disappointed not to complete a move to Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old was strongly linked with a switch to the 20-time English champions before the deadline, while Arsenal were also believed to be in the running for his signature.

Gakpo has revealed that he spoke to Man United boss Erik ten Hag "a few times" to discuss a possible switch to Old Trafford, but the transfer window ended with the attacker still at PSV.

The Netherlands international has also said that he had the chance to join Leeds United or Southampton late in the market but ultimately decided to stay in Holland.

"I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United," Gakpo told The Times. "In the end the deal didn't go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV, because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club.

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"It ended about a week before the end of the transfer window and in that week I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton. In the end I stayed, but it was a stressful period.

"I always said if I stay here, it's my childhood club. It's not a punishment. I like being here, I want to win trophies here and do my best for the club.

"But if I got the chance to go to the Premier League or something, of course I would have to consider that option. At that time it was hectic for me but I recovered pretty quickly."

Gakpo has been in strong form for his Dutch club during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 13 goals and registering 11 assists in 18 appearances in all competitions.

The forward has netted nine times and registered seven assists in 10 Eredivisie appearances, in addition to scoring three goals and three Europa League matches.

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Gakpo is believed to have been an alternative for Man United to Antony, with the Red Devils ultimately agreeing to sign the Brazilian from Ajax late in the window.

The English outfit are still thought to have an interest in the Dutchman, though, with PSV expected to sell him during next summer's transfer window.

Gakpo has scored 55 goals and registered 44 assists in 153 appearances for his Dutch club in all competitions, having made his first-team debut in 2018.

Man United are expected to move for a new centre-forward next summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo likely to depart on a free transfer, but Gakpo largely operates off the left.

Ten Hag's side recorded a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday and are now preparing for Saturday's trip to top-four rivals Chelsea.