Sliding doors moment – Newcastle United star makes public he almost signed for Manchester United


 
 
 
 
 
 

An interesting one, as Kieran Trippier has revealed that his move to Newcastle United may well not have happened, if it wasn’t for a transfer to Manchester United breaking down.

A real sliding doors moment.

Kieran Trippier was the very first signing for Eddie Howe and the new Newcastle United owners in January 2022. a stunning £12m capture that amazed the rest of football.

Newcastle United in the middle of a relegation fight and Trippier only months before winning La Liga and starting in the European Championships final to Italy.

However. Kieran Trippier revealing that after that Euros final defeat, he almost joined Manchester United…

Kieran Trippier talking to Gary Neville on The Overlap:

“I wanted to come back to England [in summer 2021], my family were finding it very difficult.

“I could have stayed at [Atletico] Madrid.

“I could have signed a new three year contract, but as a player, you have to be realistic about where you can go.

“I couldn’t go to Manchester City or Liverpool, as I was restricted to certain clubs.

“Manchester United came in straight after the Euros and that was very close.

“Obviously, growing up being a red as well with all my family… but it didn’t happen.

“Everything happens for a reason, it just fell away really.

“[Then when I joined Newcastle United] Everybody was saying ‘He’s going for the money, he’s going for this…’ but I have made clear many times, I took less money coming to Newcastle than I was on at Madrid.

“I didn’t have a relegation clause, I trusted the manager (Eddie Howe) and that was a key factor why I came.

“When I first signed, [Newcastle United] going through a tough moment obviously.

“You could see around the place, it was just about believing.

“Then we signed good characters, we signed Dan Burn – a great leader – a Geordie – would run through a brick wall..

“Matty Targett, myself, Bruno… who has been remarkable.

“I think it was about bringing in the right character for the team.

“If one player has an ego then it can be dangerous for a team, a domino effect.

“Unfortunately, I broke my foot that year, which I was devastated about.

“But what the team went on to do [in the second half of the 2021/22 season] was incredible.

“The manager is a big believer in standards – always respect the staff, the kitman, whoever it may be.

“He set the tone and I had worked for him before, he demands a lot from me and to help the players around me.”