Manchester United could be starting the season with a new midfield partnership of Toni Kroos and Fernando - if David Moyes had remained in charge.
The Manchester Evening News says Bayern Munich ace Kroos could have ended up at Old Trafford had Louis van Gaal followed up on Moyes' interest.
The Dutchman, who managed Kroos during the pair's time at Bayern, instead opted against chasing his former charge's signature and successfully pursued Ander Herrera instead.
Manchester City signing Fernando was also a candidate for United, according to the Daily Telegraph.
They claim that Moyes baulked at Sporting Lisbon's asking price for William Carvalho, and had considered hijacking the Blues' pursuit of Fernando as an alternative.
