Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to celebrate his birthday by watching Manchester United win the Carabao Cup against Newcastle this Sunday - but will definitely be reminded of what he missed out on whilst in charge of the side.
The former Red Devils boss was sacked 16 months ago after a dismal start to the 2021-22 season, ultimately paving the way for current manager Erik ten Hag to lead a resurgence at Old Trafford. Although his Dutch successor hasn't bettered him yet by winning a trophy, there are major suggestions from this term that Ten Hag will be the man to lead United back to the top.
Solskjaer spent nearly three years trying to do exactly that and hoped a man who Ten Hag's team will face on Sunday would help bring the glory days back to Old Trafford - that being Kieran Trippier. Sought after by the Norwegian gaffer throughout 2021, the Glazer family ultimately wouldn't cough up the funds to sign him from Atletico Madrid.
Having joined the Spanish giants from Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, Atletico inserted a £34million release clause into Trippier's contract. After adapting to life under Diego Simeone as a marauding wing-back throughout his first campaign, the England international quickly became a fan favourite as a regular starter when Atletico romped to the La Liga title in his second season.
Thanks to his outstanding form in Spain and continued impressive performances on the international stage, reports emerged that United were hoping to tempt Trippier back to England and his native north-west. Coming from a family of Red Devils, Solskjaer reportedly aimed to pull on the player's heartstrings and in turn add an experienced right-back to his slowly improving squad.
Although he'd already splashed out £50m on Aaron Wan-Bissaka two years prior, the then-Red Devils manager's reluctance to use Diogo Dalot as a deputy was clear. Believing that Trippier could add another dimension in both defence and attack, the former Spurs star looked poised for a move to Old Trafford.
However, even with United qualifying for the Champions League in back-to-back seasons, the Glazers weren't willing to spend £34m on Solskjaer's target and decided against a move. Instead, Dalot was welcomed back to Manchester following a season-long at AC Milan and Trippier stayed put - but not for long.
In January 2022, in the wake of Newcastle's Saudi Arabian-backed takeover and two months after Solskjaer's sacking, Eddie Howe managed to convince the Bury-born star to return home and join his black and white revolution in the north-east, with a first task of staving off relegation. Trippier admitted that the decision wasn't easy, with Simeone even attempting to convince him to stay at Atletico as he said his goodbyes in the club car park.
The Argentine boss could at least be thankful that his defender didn't leave earlier, with Trippier revealing how close he was to joining United. Asked last summer if the Red Devils had indeed been interested, the 32-year-old replied: "Yes, they were. There were a couple of clubs. Me and the manager had a chat at the start of the season and agreed if an opportunity came up I might go.
"At the start of the season I had a couple of family problems. To be fair they didn't want to come back. It didn't happen, so I carried on. I am not one to throw my toys out of the pram when it didn't happen. "I didn't have to leave Madrid. I want to make that clear. I loved it there and it was a successful time. I had a few options as well. But for my family it was important."
Family will come into play in Sunday's final, too, with Trippier hoping that his clan are backing him over their beloved United come kick-off. "It's a proud moment for all my family even though they are Reds," he revealed in midweek. "They will be supporting me. Hopefully, we can give a good account of ourselves for the club and bring the trophy back to Newcastle."
It's a final which Trippier is set to play a huge role in, with his displays on Tyneside this season helping Newcastle to fifth place at present and their first Wembley final since 1999. Likely to captain the side, he'll also be on duty for set pieces and has the all-important role of progressing the Magpies' attack from the right flank.
Since returning from the World Cup after helping England reach the quarter-finals, no player has created more goalscoring chances in the Premier League. Trippier tops the list with 36 actions, two ahead of United's Bruno Fernandes in second place.
Have your say! Should Man Utd have shelled out to sign Trippier in 2021? Give us your verdict in the comments section.
Coincidentally, Avram Glazer it set to be at Wembley on Sunday to watch in the final in person. It'll be a rare appearance for the American, who rarely visits Manchester, despite his family possessing a majority stake in the club since they controversially took full control in 2005.
After 18 years of criticism, though, the Glazers could be on their way out soon enough. The Red Devils are on the market, despite Avram and brother Joel's reluctance for a full sale, and Solskjaer - still a United fan - will hope that whoever has the keys to Old Trafford backs Ten Hag on the transfer front.
