Ryan Giggs reveals he scouted Renato Sanches for Manchester United before he was snapped up by Bayern Munich
Renato Sanches signed for Bayern Munich in 2016, after they fought off stiff competition from Manchester United, today the midfielder is likely to make his Premier League debut
RENATO SANCHES is likely to make his Swansea City debut today, but Ryan Giggs admitted that Manchester United had hoped to secure him before he was signed by the German giants.
Describing the Portuguese player as physically strong and aggressive, Giggs spoke of how the midfielder had caught his eye during his time as Louis van Gaal's No.2.
It was Bayern Munich who instead scooped the 20-year-old for £32m in 2016, but Sanches did not make the impact that the club expected when he made the transition from Benfica.
Giggs told Wales Online that he had been watching Sanches several years ago and was impressed with the aggressive player's talent.
The Welsh football legend thought Sanches had what it took to fit in with United's style, he said: "I remember looking at him and instantly liking him. Liked the way he played and thought he would suit Premier League football."
Swansea made a shock swoop for the Portuguese international and fought off competition from clubs across Europe after Carlo Ancelotti said there was 'no problem' with the midfielder leaving.
The midfielder is on a season-long loan in South Wales, with the option for Paul Clement’s outfit to make the move permanent next summer with a £30million deal.
Giggs added that Premier League style of play would suit the young player, who was part of the Euro 2016 winning squad, and thought the loan deal was a good move for Sanches, he said: "He can tackle, he can get forward and he's going to a club that play football the right way so I think he'll be a success."
During Euro 2016, Sanches was voted the tournament's best young player but struggled to recreate the magic for Bayern, due to lack of game time.
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Sanches spent Bayern Munich's opening game of the season on the bench after being told he faced stiff competition to secure a spot in the team.
His move to Swansea is likely to have been influenced by Clement's presence, who he had worked with at Bayern Munich.
Swansea host Newcastle later today, they sit in 14th place just two places ahead of Rafael Benítez's team.