Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly left furious after being denied the chance to meet Jude Bellingham in 2020.
Manchester United wanted to sign the midfielder that year, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer impressed by the way he'd been performing for Championship side Birmingham City.
In the end, however, United missed out with the youngster choosing to experience life in Germany with Borussia Dortmund instead.
Bellingham has since established himself as one of the best prospects in world football and has flourished for Real Madrid since joining the club back in the summer.
Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid star has gone from strength to strength since turning down Manchester United
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According to The Athletic, Solskjaer wanted United to launch a charm offensive that year.
The Norweigan, who would lose his job at Old Trafford 18 months later, was keen for Bellingham to meet Ferguson.
Ferguson was at Carrington the day Bellingham toured United's training ground with his family.
However, Solskjaer was denied his wish with John Murtough failing to give Ferguson any time to woo Bellingham to the club.
It's claimed the iconic Scot was only able to greet and shake hands with Bellingham while he toured the facilities on offer.
And Ferguson was furious and later told Murtough of his anger directly.
Murtough, for his part, insists it was a misunderstanding and he didn't mean for things to play out that way.
The rest, as the old saying goes, is history.
United signed Donny van de Beek in 2020 but, three-and-a-half years on, the Netherlands international is poised to go out on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Red Devils have since bolstered their midfield with deals for the likes of Sofyan Amrabat, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
But the trio have been unable to propel United to a first Premier League title since Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
Solskjaer was gutted after missing out on Bellingham.
He lost his job in November 2021 after a chastening 4-0 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road.
Ralf Rangnick then arrived as an interim replacement, though the German experienced a nightmare spell at Old Trafford.
And United currently have Erik ten Hag as manager, though it's unclear how long that will remain the case.
Ten Hag has overseen a turbulent campaign this term, with United well off the pace in every competition.
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His position is safe for the time being, though the imminent arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe could change things.
Meanwhile, the report says Ratcliffe was unconvinced by United's deal for Casemiro when he visited the club in March.
The INEOS chief has apparently questioned the decision to recruit the Brazil international while he's in the twilight years of his career.
Casemiro impressed for United last term as they finished third in the Premier League table, while also winning the Carabao Cup.
But he struggled earlier this season and hasn't played for the club since the start of November due to injury.
Jude Bellingham: Manchester United chief John Murtough denied Sir Alex Ferguson a meeting with the Real Madrid star
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Casemiro is thought to be one of several players United are open to cutting loose in January.
Raphael Varane is another, with talk of a shock return to Real Madrid starting to arise.
Jadon Sancho may have his contract terminated, having been banished since falling out with Ten Hag in October.
And Antony and Anthony Martial are facing uncertain futures at the club as well.
