One of the world's top goalkeepers admitted to being close to signing for Man United

Thibaut Courtois, the towering Belgian goalkeeper, came close to donning the red jersey of Manchester United early in his career. However, fate had other plans in store for the shot-stopper.

Courtois recently revealed that he was on the radar of the Red Devils, who were looking to bolster their goalkeeping options. However, upon learning that United had already secured the services of Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, Courtois decided to explore other opportunities.

"Why didn't I go to United? They signed De Gea. That made me take a different path," Courtois explained in an interview with AS. "I was starting to make a name for myself at Genk, and there was interest from Tottenham, Chelsea, and other countries. Chelsea offered me the best long-term project, and basically, because De Gea went to Manchester, they opened the door for me at Atlético Madrid. I think that transfer made me become what I am today. But yes, I was a bit of a United fan."

A Pivotal Decision

Courtois' decision to reject Manchester United proved to be a turning point in his career. Instead of competing for a starting spot with De Gea at Old Trafford, he embarked on a journey that would eventually lead him to become one of the world's best goalkeepers.

His loan spell at Atlético Madrid allowed him to develop his skills and gain valuable experience in La Liga. He quickly established himself as a key player for Los Colchoneros, winning several trophies and earning widespread acclaim for his performances.

A Path to Greatness

Courtois' success at Atlético Madrid paved the way for his return to Chelsea, where he became the club's first-choice goalkeeper. He continued to impress in the Premier League, winning two titles and solidifying his status as one of the world's elite goalkeepers.

His career reached new heights when he joined Real Madrid in 2018. At Los Blancos, he has won numerous titles.

A Sliding Doors Moment

Courtois' story is a classic example of a sliding doors moment. Had he chosen to join Manchester United, his career trajectory could have been very different. He might have spent several years as a backup to De Gea, or he might have been forced to move on to another club in search of playing time.

Instead, he took a different path, one that led him to become a superstar in his own right. His decision to reject Manchester United was a bold one, but it ultimately proved to be the right choice.

A Lesson in Opportunity

Courtois' story is a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come when we least expect them. Had he been fixated on joining Manchester United, he might have missed out on the chance to play for Atlético Madrid, a club that provided him with the perfect platform to showcase his talent.

His career is a testament to the importance of being open to new possibilities and taking calculated risks. It's a lesson that can be applied not only in football but in all aspects of life.

A Fan at Heart

Despite rejecting Manchester United early in his career, Courtois has admitted that he was a fan of the club growing up. This revelation adds another layer of intrigue to his story. It's clear that he admired the Red Devils, but he ultimately chose a different path, one that would lead him to achieve his own greatness.

Courtois' story is a fascinating one, filled with twists and turns. It's a story of ambition, talent, and a little bit of luck. It's a story that reminds us that sometimes the best decisions are the ones that take us down unexpected paths.