“This is the problem this club has and it’s because of him. He had the chance to sign this boy. The boy wanted to play here after his trials. We could have signed him instead of Tottenham.” – Fabrizio Romano on Lucas Bergvall’s Blocked Move to Manchester United

The revelation of why Lucas Bergvall was unable to sign for Manchester United after two promising trials has left fans and analysts scratching their heads. The 18-year-old Swedish midfielder, now a rising star at Tottenham Hotspur, has quickly made his mark in English football, with a controversial late winner against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg solidifying his growing reputation.

Bergvall’s journey to Tottenham began in July 2024 when the North London club secured his signature from Djurgarden in an £8.5 million deal. However, his story with Manchester United predates this move and reveals a tale of missed opportunities and internal mismanagement.

Early Trials and Initial Impressions

Back in 2020, a 15-year-old Bergvall from IF Brommapojkarna caught United’s attention during his first trial. His performances were impressive enough to prompt United to consider a £1.5 million offer. Yet, the move didn’t materialize, primarily due to impending Brexit regulations that restricted English clubs from signing overseas players under the age of 18.

United’s anticipation of these regulatory changes led to a rush of youth signings, including talents like Alejandro Garnacho, Marc Jurado, and Alvaro Fernandez. Bergvall, however, missed out. Despite this, the club invited him for a second trial in 2022 after his 16th birthday, signaling their interest in revisiting the potential transfer once he turned 18.

A Shift in Recruitment Strategy

During his second trial, Bergvall continued to impress, even assisting a goal during a match with United’s under-16s. The signs were promising, but a shift in United’s recruitment staff in 2022 marked a turning point. Sources close to the club suggest that the new regime deprioritized Bergvall’s signing, leading to a complete halt in negotiations.

Tottenham seized this opportunity, adding the young Swede to their roster. Fast forward to January 2025, and Bergvall has already begun to justify his price tag. His game-winning goal against Liverpool highlighted his technical ability, composure, and knack for delivering in high-pressure moments.

Praise from Postecoglou

Spurs’ head coach Ange Postecoglou was effusive in his praise for Bergvall after the Liverpool match. “Lucas was brilliant. People underestimate how challenging it is for young players to perform at this level consistently. He has an incredible work ethic, great quality, and an ability to create space, which is rare for someone his age,” Postecoglou remarked.

This endorsement only serves to highlight what United missed out on. Fabrizio Romano, the renowned transfer expert, was blunt in his assessment: “This is the problem this club has. The boy wanted to play here after his trials, but it didn’t happen. This is not an isolated case.”

United’s Current Struggles

While Bergvall thrives in London, Manchester United continues to flounder. Under Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils sit a dismal 13th in the Premier League table, with just 23 points from 20 games. The club is closer to the relegation zone than the top four, and their January transfer strategy is under immense scrutiny.

Amorim faces a squad riddled with inconsistency and underperformance. Players like Marcus Rashford and Antony have struggled, while veteran stars such as Casemiro face uncertain futures amid links to lucrative moves abroad. The absence of young, hungry talents like Bergvall has only amplified the criticism of United’s recruitment policies.

What Could Have Been

Bergvall’s story is a stark reminder of what United has been missing in their recent approach to player development. The club has traditionally prided itself on nurturing young talent, with legends like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham emerging from its academy. However, the Bergvall saga points to systemic issues in identifying and securing emerging stars.

Had Bergvall been signed, he could have added a much-needed spark to United’s faltering midfield. His ability to dictate play, find space, and deliver in crucial moments aligns perfectly with the traits United currently lack. Instead, Tottenham is reaping the benefits of his talent, leaving United fans wondering what could have been.

A Lesson in Missed Opportunities

The blame game surrounding Bergvall’s failed transfer highlights broader concerns within the club. Whether it was the post-Brexit regulatory changes, the recruitment shake-up, or simply a lack of foresight, United’s loss has been Tottenham’s gain.

Romano’s remarks underscore the frustration felt by many supporters. “This isn’t the first time United has missed out on an exciting prospect. These decisions have long-term consequences, and the club needs to address them if they want to return to the top,” he stated.

Moving Forward

As Bergvall continues to shine in a Spurs shirt, United’s focus must shift to ensuring such mistakes are not repeated. The January transfer window presents an opportunity for Amorim to rebuild and recalibrate the squad. While the addition of big-name players is always appealing, finding young talents with the potential to grow into future stars should remain a priority.

The Bergvall saga serves as a cautionary tale for United and a stark reminder of the importance of decisive action in the transfer market. Whether they learn from this episode remains to be seen, but for now, the sight of Bergvall excelling at Tottenham is a painful reminder of what might have been.