Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand claims Thiago Alcantara wanted to sign for the club.

Thiago was linked to United several years ago, when David Moyes was manager.

However, a move did not materialize, and he eventually signed for Bayern Munich from Barcelona.

Ferdinand claims Thiago would have signed for United last summer, before he moved to Liverpool.

"Thiago has been the stand out midfielder for the last few weeks and months he's been absolutely top," he said on his Vibe With Five podcast.

"You look at his stats? Thiago's pass accuracy by the way in the last two games against Everton and Man Utd 98.4 % against Everton and 95.6% against Everton that is ridiculous.

"I spoke to him at the time. He speaks perfect English, he was a great guy, wanted to come to United. But you look at him now and he couldn't be happier.

"What I would like to talk about just with Thiago and finish it with him is that Thiago you could have gone to a huge amount of the fanbase after last season and would have said he isn't good enough for us, he isn't the player he thought he was, German League, Bundesliga he's slowing us down let's get him out.

"There were ex-players I saw saying he's side to side, doesn't play the ball forward he isn't ready-made for this league. Players need time.

"It goes back to this thing with managers and Man Utd as well the club need to give the manager at Man Utd patience, the clubs need and the fans need to give players that come in from other leagues especially patience.

"Sancho is another example. I bet you see a better player with Sancho next season for sure."