Liverpool forward admits he was close to joining before his move to Anfield.
The Dutchman joined ’s side in a £40m move from PSV Eindhoven 12 months ago.
His move to came just six months after the Netherlands international saw a move to Old Trafford fall through.
After a sensational season in Holland – where Erik ten Hag was an onlooker as Ajax boss – Gakpo was tipped to join the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
United were keen to sign a new forward, but they left it until the final week of the window to spend £85m on Ajax winger Antony.
That’s despite Gakpo being available for considerably less, and the fact he can play in a variety of positions.
And the forward admits he was in regular contact with Ten Hag before the deal fell through.
‘Yeah I think it was the before that I was in contact with the club,’ Gakpo told SkySports.
‘I spoke to the manager as well. He’s dutch, obviously, so I spoke to him.
‘In the end it didn’t go through and that’s just it. In the winter came Liverpool and it was the best decision for me.’
, . , and .
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis