What if: Neymar had joined Real Madrid

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 11: Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona speaks to the audience after receiving the Ballon d'or from acting FIFA President Issa Hayatou during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) — Number 5 for the Magician from Rosario

#5 Good fortunes for Manchester United

ANN ARBOR, MI - AUGUST 2: Gareth Bale #11 of Real Madrid celebrates his second half goal against Manchester United during the second half of the Guinness International Champions Cup at Michigan Stadium on August 2, 2014, in Ann Arbor, Mich (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) — Gareth Bale scores against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly

Not only did Real Madrid take Manchester United’s best player in 2009, the Spanish giants have also been after their transfer targets in the recent past. Two of the biggest moves that could have possibly changed the fortunes for Manchester United were those of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale. Luka’s move to Real after ditching the Red Devils left Manchester United chasing Gareth Bale.

A combination of persuasion for Modric, the opportunity of playing for one of the world’s best teams, and the humongous sum of money involved, led to Gareth Bale picking Real Madrid over Manchester United.

However, Real Madrid would not have gone all out for Bale had it not been for Neymar turning them down. It can hence be said that had Neymar joined Real Madrid, Manchester United could have benefitted a lot by securing Gareth Bale in 2013.

Edited by Staff Editor