- Ryan Giggs has revealed that Manchester United turned down the chance to sign Kylian Mbappe in 2015 following an unenthusiastic report from a club scout.
- Giggs said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast that he was initially tipped off about the teenage French talent by a Manchester United supporter named Lionel while walking near a hotel in the south of France during his tenure as assistant manager under Louis van Gaal.
- After receiving detailed information via email, Giggs and fellow assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg reviewed footage of Mbappe playing for Monaco's youth side and were immediately impressed by his exceptional potential.
- Despite Giggs urging United's recruitment department to act, a scout sent to watch Mbappe play against Paris Saint-Germain reported back that the club was uncertain about his ability, resulting in the pursuit being abandoned.
- Mbappe went on to lead Monaco to the Ligue 1 title in 2017 before completing a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, winning the World Cup with France, and eventually joining Real Madrid in 2024.
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