Joao Felix was the subject of interest from Manchester United over the summer transfer window, with the Red Devils having made an approach to sign the Atletico Madrid star.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Old Trafford club enquired as to the Portugal international’s availability, but Atletico Madrid consider the player to be untouchable in status and would not have entertained any bids for his signature.
Manchester United Were Interested in Signing Joao Felix From Atletico Madrid This Summer
The Player Was Never Informed of Old Trafford Club’s Interest
Joao Felix told Madrid-based media outlet Marca that Manchester United were interested in signing him in the recent summer transfer window, but that he was never made aware of their desire to lure him away from Spain.
Felix made a crucial impact against a United side then managed by interim boss Ralf Ragnick in last season’s Champions League last-16 tie back in February, scoring the opening goal in a 1-1 fist leg stalemate. Diego Simeone’s side then triumphed at Old Trafford in the second leg, dumping United out of the competition.
On Erik ten Hag’s interest in bringing him to Old Trafford this summer, Felix said: “I didn’t hear anything, so that was something for the President [Enrique Cerezo] to deal with.”
Atletico’s response to Manchester United’s enquiry was to make them aware of Felix’s untouchable status within their squad, so United club bosses never tabled any official bid.
Felix Aiming to Continue Steady Improvement This Season
22-year-old Felix’s overall impact since his £113 million arrival from Portuguese giants Benfica in 2019 can be described as a slow burner, but the forward made notable progress over the course of last season.
Following Atletico’s show of faith in him this summer, the player now aims to continue improving this season, and has started well for his club, providing three assists in four league appearances at this early stage in the campaign.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have shown marked improvement of their own in contrast to the disastrous start they made in the Premier League’s opening games, but did suffer a home defeat by Real Sociedad in their Europa League opener.
