Donny van de Beek had agreed a move to Real Madrid before signing for Manchester United and was left angry that a switch to the La Liga champions was not completed.
The Dutch midfielder sealed a move from Ajax to Manchester United this week for an initial fee of £35m, but he had expected to make a different transfer after agreeing a deal with Real last summer.
The 23-year-old had come to an agreement with Zinedine Zidane’s side last year, talks reportedly continued in January but when the coronavirus pandemic hit, Real Madrid pulled the plug on the deal.
Van de Beek has put the disappointment behind him now he has secured the move to Old Trafford, but admits that the Spanish side’s decision to pull out left him enraged.
‘Everything was agreed with Madrid, but for some reason it fell through,’ Van de Beek told De Telegraaf.
‘At the time I was angry and I wondered if that sort of opportunity would come round again.
The agreement between Ajax and Real Madrid had been closer to £50m than the price Manchester United eventually spent on Van de Beek, according to Marca.
The new Red Devils arrival admits that the signing process this week was ‘messy’ but is thrilled to complete the move.
‘It was very messy this week and quite exciting,’ he said. ‘Before the international period it began to pick up, the clubs were in talks. Then the clubs were out, but the medical still had to be done, and some other things.
‘Ultimately, I am very happy that it is now ready and that we can play football again, because this is quite messy for a player.’
United had tried to sign the midfielder in January but were rebuffed and moved for Bruno Fernandes instead, who has been a remarkable hit since arriving from Sporting.
Onlookers are now intrigues to see how the latest arrival will fit into a midfield which already features Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
