Manchester City star Rodri could have been lining up for his side's bitter rivals on Sunday if Manchester United got their way last summer.
That is because Manchester United were in the race to sign the Spanish midfielder before City tied up a club record £62.8million deal on July 4.
The Athletic report how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side compiled in-depth scouting reports on the former Atletico Madrid man before City got their man.
City's defensive midfielder has proven to be an astute acquisition with the former La Liga star playing 38 times so far this season.