Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has admitted that he had talks with Manchester United in the summer before deciding on a move to the northeast this January.
Speaking to the Athletic via the Express, the England international revealed that there was strong interest from the Red Devils after Euro 2020. However, Atletico Madrid were keen on United meeting Trippier’s release clause.
The fullback was heavily linked with the Manchester giants in the summer as well as before his move to Newcastle this month, with Trippier viewed as an option to compete with Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the position.
Despite interest from United, it was Newcastle who won the race for Trippier, with the defender becoming the first signing under the Public Investment Fund era of the club. Yet according to the player himself, things could have been a lot different.
Trippier said on United’s interest in the summer: “After the Euros, there was really strong interest. I’ve got to be careful what I say because I don’t want to get into trouble, but yeah, there was interest.
“We had conversations, but Atletico Madrid just wanted my release clause, and it was a lot of money for a 30-year-old. So, I understand why Man United didn’t do that. There were other clubs interested.”
Newcastle star Trippier made right decision in rejecting United
Trippier to United was a consistent rumour over the summer, yet with the defender now at Newcastle, the 31-year-old has seemingly made the right decision choosing the Magpies over the Red Devils.
Indeed, why Newcastle still sit in the relegation zone, the Toon supporters have accepted Trippier as one of their own. And with a whole half of the season to go, the former Atletico star will be driven to lead the club to safety in the Premier League and further success in the coming years.
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