Former Southampton striker Charlie Austin once revealed just how close Virgil van Dijk came to joining Manchester United. The Red Devils ultimately chose to pursue Victor Lindelof instead, and Van Dijk went on to become a Liverpool legend.

The Reds captain, 34, had already spent two years at St. Mary's when rumours surfaced linking him with United during the summer of 2017. In an alternate reality, the centre-half could have been lining up in the away dressing room this Sunday when United travel to Anfield.

When United were unable to strike a deal for the Netherlands international, they decided to sign Lindelof from Benfica. Austin disclosed how a transfer that might have dramatically altered the trajectory of two of England's biggest clubs played out - or rather how it didn't.