Introduction

In a stunning revelation, former teammate Charlie Austin has shared that Virgil van Dijk's career path could have taken a dramatic turn had Manchester United not overlooked him in 2017. This insider insight suggests a reality where the towering defender might have donned the Red Devils’ shirt instead of making a name for himself at Liverpool.

Van Dijk's Career Timeline

Van Dijk's football journey began with FC Groningen in 2011 before he made a significant move to Celtic in 2013, and later to Southampton in 2015. It was during his time with Saints that his exceptional talents began to garner attention from several top clubs, including Manchester United.

Austin's Insight

In a 2021 interview with talkSPORT, Austin recounted a particularly revealing exchange he had with van Dijk during a match against Chelsea. "I remember sitting on the bench with him and asking, 'Come on Virgil, surely Man United must've been in for you? They're a massive club!'" Austin recalls. Van Dijk's surprising response was that during the summer transfer window, it was a choice between him and Victor Lindelof, and the club opted for Lindelof. "I couldn't believe it when he told me that," Austin stated.

Transfer Comparisons

United signed Lindelof from Benfica for a hefty £30.7 million, a decision that has since been scrutinized in hindsight. The club later invested an eye-watering £80 million on Harry Maguire, desperately trying to fortify their defensive line. Meanwhile, Liverpool swooped in for Van Dijk, paying Southampton a record £75 million in January 2018. Under manager Jürgen Klopp, van Dijk transformed the Reds' defense, playing a pivotal role in securing both the Premier League and Champions League titles.

Consequences of United's Choice

The consequences of United's choice have been profound. Lindelof, while initially promising, has struggled to retain his place in the squad, making only 19 appearances last season and just five so far in the current campaign. Maguire, despite being touted as a solution to United's defensive woes, has had a mixed stint at Old Trafford, struggling for game time in recent seasons.

Current Defensive Dilemma

Adding to United's defensive dilemma, manager Erik ten Hag has attempted to revamp the backline by bringing in Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and promising talent Leny Yoro from Lille, investing further resources in defense rather than other critical areas of the team.

Looking Ahead

As Manchester United prepares to face Liverpool this Sunday, struggling after three consecutive league losses, one can't help but wonder: could their fortunes have been different had they opted for van Dijk over Lindelof? The ripple effects of that decision might still be felt today as both clubs seek to establish their dominance in the Premier League. Will United's defense stand strong, or will they crumble under pressure against a red-hot Liverpool? Fans will eagerly watch to see if history repeats itself or if lessons learned will finally alter United’s defensive strategy.