---
title: "United failed with last-minute approach to sign Virgil van Dijk"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/united-failed-with-last-minute-approach-to-sign-virgil-van-dijk/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2018-08-21T10:09:20Z"
modified: "2018-08-21T10:12:13Z"
---

# United failed with last-minute approach to sign Virgil van Dijk

Manchester United tried to beat Liverpool to the signing of defender Virgil van Dijk by making a last-minute approach, but the player was undergoing his medical with the Reds.

It has been revealed by [The Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6080283/Why-didnt-Manchester-United-push-Virgil-van-Dijk.html)that United missed out on the Dutch defender, with a host of other clubs also interested in the Liverpool star when it became clear he was leaving Southampton.

Chelsea and Manchester City were also believed to be in the running to sign the player from Southampton, but it was Liverpool who won the race.

Mourinho’s men entered the running at the last minute, but a deal to take the player to Anfield was all-but done by that point.

![Lynne Cameron/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2018/08/1002171386-1.jpg)

The news emerges after a disappointing start to the season for Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho publically lamenting the United board for not signing a central defender.

Van Dijk has started the new campaign in his impressive form himself with a standout performance at Crystal Palace as the Reds secured a hard-earned three points on the road.