Rene Meulensteen names two Premier League players he recommended to Manchester United
Rene Meulensteen worked at Man United for more than a decade under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Former first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has admitted that he was ignored when he once recommended Son Heung-min and Willian to Manchester United.
The Dutchman, who is now the assistant boss of the Australian national team, spent more than a decade at Old Trafford during Sir Alex Ferguson's long-term spell in charge. He left the club at the end of Ferguson's reign after not being included in new boss David Moyes' plans.
Following his exit from United, the Dutchman joined Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, who, at the time, were a side with plenty of emerging talent within their ranks. It was there when he first learnt of Willian and his quality, meaning he immediately recommended him to Moyes and the Reds.
READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho might have three chances to be United FA Cup final surprise
The 59-year-old also recommended Son to United a few years later, but his advice was again ignored. It was during the 2015/16 campaign that the Dutchman first caught a glimpse of Son.
Meulensteen, speaking to United's official Scandinavian supporters club, said: "It really annoys me a little bit because when Son just came to Tottenham so many years ago, I felt, after seeing him one or two seasons, this is the player United need to buy. Well I mentioned it. There was another one I recommended as well.
"When I left United I went to Anzhi in Russia with Guus Hiddink and then Guus left and I took over, and I had a really interesting squad with a lot of interesting individuals: Samuel Eto'o, Lassana Diarra, Christopher Samba was there… and Willian.
"Now that's the player, because I actually rang David about [Moyes] because they were looking for players and I knew Willian was a mad Man United fan, because he asked me, he said, 'Can you help me [play for United]?'
"I said I could make a call, no problem at all. I said, 'Listen, David I've got somebody here, Brazilian, versatile, can play any position, up front, in the midfield, advanced midfield, commercially a very good deal as well, never injured, great kid.
"And then Ryan Giggs [assistant] rang me after, just to follow it up, and I said, 'Ryan if there's anybody that you should know that knows what United need then it's me, because I've worked with you guys for so many years. Believe me, he'll be great.'
"Anyway it never materialised and then Tottenham came in, and then the relationship between the Anzhi owner Suleyman Kerimov and Roman Abramovich, they [Chelsea] hijacked it and Abramovich said, 'Bring him to me'.
"And then at the last minute, because I think he was at Spurs to do the medicals, the same day he went off to Chelsea. So that was a little bit of a one-two between them two.
"And look at him, Willian has been outstanding for Chelsea and fantastic now for Fulham. I love to see him play, absolutely brilliant. He drives with the ball, he's positive, he's great.
"But it's a shame, you know? You think to yourself, those players could have definitely made a difference."
READ NEXT:
- All the latest United news, views and transfer updates
- Erik ten Hag has given United's fans a tough decision to make
- Erik ten Hag now has a complete squad to work with
- United get Donny van de Beek injury boost
- Get your hands on our 48-page souvenir United v City FA Cup Final print supplement by clicking here