United did look elsewhere but saw one key target join Chelsea instead – and it doesn’t appear to be going too well for him.

Manchester United were keen on Axel Disasi

The man in question is Axel Disasi, who impressed in Ligue 1 with Stade de Reims and then Monaco.

Fabrizio Romano reported in July that Erik ten Hag had ‘approved’ a move to sign Disasi from Monaco and talks had been held between United and Disasi’s representatives.

United didn’t strike a deal though and instead saw Disasi complete a move to Chelsea.

Chelsea splashed £39million on Disasi, bringing him in after a major injury to fellow French centre back Wesley Fofana.

Disasi lined up against United last week but he was branded as ‘far too sloppy in possession’ by Goal as Chelsea lost 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea may already look to flog Disasi

A surprise report from TEAMtalk now suggests that Disasi has been made available by Chelsea for either January or the summer window.

The 25-year-old has started all but two of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season, so these reports are a major shock.

Disasi certainly deserves at least one full season to prove himself at Chelsea and we can’t see Mauricio Pochettino ditching him so soon.

Still, Disasi cost £39million just a few months ago and speculation already surrounds his future at Stamford Bridge.

United didn’t take the plunge at that price and may feel justified now, saving cash for a big defensive signing next summer.

Raphael Varane will surely be on his way out and United waiting rather than splashing out on Disasi may have actually been the right decision after all.