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Off your head

Manchester United rejected chance to sign Isco in 2013 because scout reported Real Madrid striker’s ‘head was too big for his body’

Spaniard tormented Red Devils during Uefa Super Cup — netting winner and being named man-of-the-match in Skopje

REAL MADRID were head and shoulders above Manchester United in the Uefa Super Cup, thanks in large part to the brilliance of Isco.

However, he could well have been wearing red in Skopje had United not allegedly turned down the chance to sign him for a bizarre reason.

 Isco is now one of the most important players in the Real Madrid squad
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Isco is now one of the most important players in the Real Madrid squadCredit: Splash News
 Manchester United rejected the chance to sign Isco due to 'size of his head'
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Manchester United rejected the chance to sign Isco due to 'size of his head'

ESPN reveal a United scout report from 2013 on the then 21-year-old read: “He's good, but not quite quick enough and his head is too big for his body.”


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It is an astonishing claim and surreal judgment, given he was among the best young players on the planet at that time.

And the supposed size of his head didn’t seem to stop him starring for Spain’s triumphant Under-21s side at that summer’s European Championship.

This came just a year after it was claimed in Sir Alex Ferguson’s book that United rejected the chance to sign Jordan Henderson because they thought the way he ran “might cause him problems later in life.”

While the Liverpool man is not considered to be on the same level as the Spaniard, it is worth pointing out he is now Anfield captain — and a contender to replace Wayne Rooney as England skipper.

Isco looked to be heading out of Real Madrid after falling down the pecking order last season.

 Isco was man-of-the-match in Real Madrid's win over Manchester United
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Isco was man-of-the-match in Real Madrid's win over Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
 Isco celebrates scoring sublime winner against Manchester United in Skopje
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Isco celebrates scoring sublime winner against Manchester United in SkopjeCredit: Reuters
 Isco left Malaga to join Real Madrid in summer of 2013
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Isco left Malaga to join Real Madrid in summer of 2013Credit: Getty Images

However, taking advantage of Zinedine Zidane’s famous rotation policy, he surged back into the starting line-up and started the Champions League final ahead of Gareth Bale.

In the Uefa Super Cup, he scored the all-important second goal — finishing off a sublime team move — and was named man-of-the-match.

Despite many writing him off after losing his place, the 25-year-old has remained humble and just gone about his duty.

So he’s not even metaphorically big headed.

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