Manchester United transfer news: Michael Keane reveals why he snubbed Red Devils in favour of move to Everton
The 24-year-old left Burnley in the summer for the Toffees, despite Jose Mourinho vying to bring him to Old Trafford
EVERTON star Michael Keane will come up against Manchester United on Sunday for the first time since snubbing a move to Old Trafford in the summer.
The 24-year-old signed for the Toffees in a £25million move from Burnley back in July, believing Goodison Park is the perfect place to develop his career.
Although tempted by a move to join the Red Devils, Keane has revealed he has made the right choice, despite already being six points behind his former side.
Speaking to The Times, he said: "They (United) were in touch with my agent and showed a lot of interest.
"They wanted me, but a few things happened and I thought Everton would be the best place for me to come.
"I thought I would get a lot of game time here, more than I possibly would at Manchester United, and that was a massive factor in my decision.
"To be honest, having been at Burnley for three years, I wasn’t a fan of the club like I used to be. I wasn’t as big a fan of Man United as I had been, so I had to sort of put that to one side and just think rationally about what would be best for me as a footballer.
"My family are all Man United fans so it was not an easy decision. My dad would have been delighted if I had signed for United. But he is glad I have come to Everton and not Liverpool, put it that way.”
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With a World Cup looming at the end of the season, Keane knows vital game time is crucial in being selected in Gareth Southgate's England squad.
He has played every minute for Everton in the Premier League so far, and has added that playing for Ronald Koeman's men will get the best out of him.
He added: "United are one of the biggest clubs in the world and it is not an easy decision to make.
“I thought about it all throughout the summer and a bit longer. I spoke to my family, friends, agent, I got advice from people I used to work with at United. Loads of different people.
“In the end, I came to the decision of joining Everton and I am thankful I did that because it is going to be the best thing for me in the long run.
“We have had games where we’ve played well and a few games where it hasn’t gone so well. But I am young and learning and that is going to be good for me. While they [defeats] are not enjoyable, you go through them and learn and it will make me a better player."
Everton face United at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday at 4pm.
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