After that horrendously drawn out and ultimately failed pursuit of Dutch international Wesley Sneijder a couple of years back, many fans thought they had seen the back of bungled transfers. They hoped so at least.
But the last year has has been pockmarked by another seemingly interminable attempt to sign a top star.
David Moyes desperately tried to sign him when he joined the club in the summer of 2013. His very public pursuit of the player ended in embarrassment for him and Manchester United.
And, at that point, Manchester United seemed to close the door on a move for Cesc Fabregas – once bitten twice shy, we all assumed.
But word on the street is that Barcelona may now be willing to sell the player for the right price and this has lead to Manchester United speculation once again.
But, in truth Manchester United have seemed strangely muted in their response to the latest suggestion that Fabregas may return to England this summer. Instead they have apparently left Chelsea a clear path to the signature of the player.
Of course it may well be the case that Manchester United have bid but that the player himself wants a move to a Champions League club next season.
Yet recent rumours have suggested that Louis van Gaal didn’t fancy bringing him to Old Trafford.
But this wouldn’t be Manchester United if it were to simply end there would it? In the will he won’t he transfer rumour of the the century The Guardian today passes on the notion that Manchester United may be keen AFTER ALL!
But it’s not all blues for United: for word is the club is poised to prise Barcelona’s Cesc Fábregas from the clutches of Chelsea.
At 27 years of age Fabregas is in his prime and players of this quality do not become available too often. Manchester United have a desperate need for quality in the centre of midfield and if they are serious about winning the league next season they can’t afford to waste time on this deal.
We say that Manchester United need to get it done. A few extra million on top of the Chelsea offer would surely entice Barcelona and Manchester United aren’t in a position to haggle for top quality right now. Spend the cash. Get it done. Or watch the empire crumble.
