“It was a huge disappointment.” I simply wanted to join Manchester United because I am a fan. But when I went to Old Trafford, the club did something disgusting: they signed him instead of me. Gabriel Martinelli discusses Manchester United’s failed trial, stating that it causes anxiety.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli recently opened up about his unsuccessful trial with Manchester United during his youth. At the age of 22, Martinelli reflected on his multiple visits to United’s academy, the last being at 17, while playing for the Brazilian fourth-tier team Ituano. Despite his efforts, he was never admitted to Old Trafford’s academy.

Speaking about the challenges of trialing with a club as prestigious as Manchester United, Martinelli acknowledged feeling nervous and expressed his initial hopes for a successful trial. However, he believes that everything unfolded as it was meant to, stating, “But everything happens for a purpose. It was not where I was intended to be.”

Eventually, in 2019, Martinelli joined Arsenal and has since become a regular in the first team under the management of Mikel Arteta. This season, he has contributed seven goals and three assists, helping Arsenal secure the third position in the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Manchester United currently sits in sixth place, trailing five points behind Aston Villa, whom they defeated 2-1 in their recent match.