Andries Jonker, the coach of the Netherland’s Women’s Team, has admitted he “expected” Cody Gakpo to join Manchester United this month.
Gakpo completed a move to Liverpool at the end of last month, with the Reds moving quickly to secure his signature after Luis Diaz was ruled out for another two months minimum through injury.
The switch to Anfield came as a complete surprise, with Jurgen Klopp’s side having not been in the picture for the Netherlands international despite showing an interest in him early last year.
It had been widely felt that Gakpo would end up at Manchester United, who were keen on him at the beginning of the summer transfer window.
The forward ended up staying at PSV Eindhoven but later admitted he had been keen on the move and would be again in future.
Manchester United continued to be linked with him, particularly after Cristiano Ronaldo was released from his contract.
That seemingly freed up significant funds in their budget and it appeared only a matter of time before they moved to secure Gakpo, who Erik ten Hag knows well from his time managing in the Eredivisie.
Instead, it is Liverpool who have secured his signature, a move which certainly came as a surprise to Jonker.
“To be honest, I had expected him to go to Manchester United. Especially with Ten Hag’s knowledge of the Dutch market,” he told NPO Radio 1, relayed by PSV Fans.
“He’s going to find out that the intensity is a lot different than at PSV. You have to go full out every game, including against Leicester, which is a bit different from what he is used to.
“But, on the other hand, Liverpool can use a boy who is energetic and eager, like Gakpo.”
