Manchester United were keen on Manuel Akanji before he joined Manchester City.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United were initially keen on then Borussia Dortmund defender Akanji but a move broke down following the departure of Ralf Rangnick, who was due to take up an advisory role in support of Erik ten Hag.
Following Rangnick's exit to become manager of the Austrian national team, United cooled their interest in the 27-year-old.
Akanji was later snapped up by Premier League champions Man City in a £15million deal.
He has made three starts for Pep Guardiola's side, with just one of those coming in the league.