According to the German ace, he was on the cusp of moving to Old Trafford. Here's why that transfer failed.

Since leaving Bayern Munich back in 2014, Toni Kroos has gone on to become a crucial figure at Real Madrid. Alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modric; the German ace has played a crucial role in the club’s recent success and went on to become one of the best midfielders in the last decade.

However, according to the maestro, things could have turned out quite differently. Speaking to the Athletic, the World Cup winner admitted that he was on the verge of joining Man United nearly nine years ago when he decided on leaving the Allianz Arena.

The Red Devils were one of many clubs interested in the German talent, with the 30-year-old revealing that he had met with David Moyes, who was in charge at that time. A contract was all but done, with only formalities remaining but that everything fell apart and Kroos’ Old Trafford move never materialized. The reason: Man United’s managerial change.

Moyes was eventually sacked and Louis Van Gaal was appointed as his successor. The Dutch tactician went quiet over the move, with the player eventually joining up with Germany for the 2014 World Cup before being contacted by Carlo Ancelotti.

“David Moyes had come to see me and the contract had basically been done but then Moyes was fired and Louis van Gaal came in, which complicated matters. Louis wanted time to build his own project,” Kroos told The Athletic

“I didn't hear anything from United for a while and started having doubts. 

“Then the World Cup started and Carlo Ancelotti called. And that was it.”

The 30-year-old ended up at the Bernabeu, winning 12 trophies and counting in Madrid. He is currently preparing for his team’s crucial Champions League clash with Man United’s neighbors Man City, with Zidane’s side hosting the Citizens on Wednesday in the first leg.