Manchester United 'wanted former Chelsea, Arsenal attacker Willian last summer'

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag was reportedly keen to bring experienced forward Willian to Old Trafford during last summer's transfer window.

Aside from a short spell at Corinthians between 2021 and 2022, Willian has been in English football since 2013, turning out for Chelsea for seven years before representing Arsenal and now Fulham.

The 35-year-old made the move to Fulham in 2022, and he has represented the London club on 60 occasions during a successful spell, scoring 10 times and registering eight assists in the process.

Willian was a free agent for a short period last summer before re-signing for Fulham in the middle of July, penning a new deal with the club until June 2025.

According to PL Brasil, Man United manager Ten Hag made contact with Willian last summer while he was a free agent, expressing an interest in bringing the forward to Old Trafford.

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The report claims that there was no immediate offer from the Red Devils, with Ten Hag making it clear that other matters needed to be addressed first before Willian could potentially join the club.

Willian was allegedly keen 'to avoid uncertainty' at this stage of his career and therefore decided to re-join Fulham for another campaign due to his happiness at the club.

The forward's contract is again entering its latter stages, and he reportedly believes that he is still capable of representing a club 'fighting for titles in England'.

Willian scored 63 goals and registered 62 assists in 339 appearances for Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one EFL Cup and one Europa League during his time at Stamford Bridge.

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The Brazilian joined Arsenal on a free transfer in August 2020, but he struggled to make his mark at the Emirates Stadium and left after just one season to return to Corinthians.

Willian has primarily featured off the left for Fulham this season, and he played the full 90 minutes of his side's impressive 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last time out.

Man United are expected to move for a new centre-forward this summer, as Anthony Martial's contract is due to expire at the end of June.

A new wide attacker could also potentially move to Old Trafford in the upcoming market, as Jadon Sancho is expected to leave on a permanent basis this summer, while the futures of Facundo Pellistri, Antony and Amad Diallo are unclear.