Manchester United will regret not snapping up a deal for Son Heung-Min when they had the chance.
The 32-year-old has become a mega star in the Premier League at Tottenham, but he shares a soft spot for Manchester United.
Despite spending over nine years of his career at Tottenham, Son Heung-Min has previously admitted he is a boyhood United fan.
Speaking on Pro:Direct Soccer’s YouTube channel three years ago, Son said: “[I supported] Manchester United because obviously, Ji-sung Park was playing.”
In 19 games against the Red Devils, Son has scored five goals, with the latest coming directly from a corner as United lost 4-3 to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
Son is even admired by United’s club legends. Sir Alex Ferguson wished he managed Son and there have been a few half-rumours over the years that the Red Devils were interested in him. Now at 32 years old, it seems unlikely he will spend any of his career at Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy spotted Son Heung-Min’s talent
Son burst onto the scene at Hamburg after coming through the academy ranks of the German club.
In the same year that Son made his senior debut at Hamburg – 2010 – United legend and now former manager Ruud van Nistelrooy left Real Madrid to sign for them.
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Just a year later, Van Nistelrooy posted an iconic message on social media that read: “My teammate Son Heung-Min, massive talent. 18 years old… Watch out for him. Class!”
With an ability like that to spot talent, it is hardly a surprise that Van Nistelrooy has become a Premier League manager at Leicester City.
Van Nistelroooy and Son will be reunited later this month when Leicester face Tottenham on January 26th.
Son Heung-Min idolises Man United legend Van Nistelrooy
In a recent YouTube video from TNT Sports, Son looked back at his career and spoke highly about his relationship with Van Nistelrooy, even suggesting he was like a father figure to him at Hamburg.
“I started in the youth team in Hamburg and I got a first-team call-up when I was 17. I went to the changing room really early, as soon as Ruud came I couldn’t believe it,” Son said.
“I was shaking. I was sitting in the dressing room and as soon as he turned up I stood up straight away and shook his hand.
“I had an unbelievable pre-season but unfortunately I broke my foot. I was in a crutch and the next day we had a team picture. He [Van Nistelrooy] came to me and said ‘we are going to wait for you’. I started crying because it was so meaningful.
“Those words coming from a world-class player and a world star. He was like ‘if you need anything come and speak to me’. He was so good, he was like my dad.
“He was giving so much advice, he still had unbelievable quality, I was learning so much from him. He’s now a manager at Leicester and I can’t wait to see him.”