Manchester United signed Marouane Fellaini instead of Arda Turan last summer

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Arda Turan could have been at Manchester United last season

Manchester United reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign Atletico Madrid’s Arda Turan last summer in order to complete a deadline day deal for Marouane Fellaini.

Manager David Moyes, who has now been relieved of his duties at the Red Devils, struggled to secure several of his primary transfer targets during a frustrating transfer window last summer.

The Scot eventually managed to negotiate a £27.5 million deal for the Belgian midfielder from his former club Everton with just minutes to spare.

The 26-year-old was expected to be a valuable addition, even if the club had overpaid for his services.

However, Fellaini has endured a disappointing debut campaign at Old Trafford with a string of injuries and poor displays restricting his progress. He has failed to justify his price tag and bee widely criticised as he looks out of his depth at elite level.

Fellaini could even be sold by United in a cut price deal following the arrival of new manager Louis van Gaal.

While many United fans lamented the decision to buy Fellaini over the course of the season, their ill feeling has now been heightened following the revelation he was chosen ahead of Turan.

The Turkish midfielder has enjoyed a spectacularly successful season with Diego Simeone’s side, ending the campaign as La Liga champions and Champions League finalists.

Turkish journalist Acun Ilicali has lifted the lid on the potential deal that was all but complete only for Moyes to decide to purchase a player that he was familiar with during his time at Goodison park.

“Arda Turan is a great person, I went to at least 15 games over the course of the season to offer my support.

“Being there when he scored against Chelsea and seeing him run over to us following the goal is something I will never forget.

“The weird thing is, Arda was supposed to play for Manchester United this season.

“Manchester United agreed terms with Arda and he was on the verge of completing his transfer however, they chose Fellaini instead in a last minute deal,” he told reporters.

“At the time I felt bad for Arda and was upset that he missed out on such a great opportunity to play for a club like Manchester United but it turns out I was completely wrong.

“It all worked out in Arda’s favour,” Ilicali insisted.

Meanwhile, the United faithful have been left to speculate on what might have been if they had successfully added steel and a creative flair to their midfield ranks.