A goalkeeper who is a starting player at the World Cup 2026 says he previously turned down an offer from Manchester United before focusing on his education. According to the report, the player chose to go to university rather than accept the chance to join the Premier League club. The goalkeeper is now described as his country’s No. 1 and as having reached the World Cup last-32. The outlets agree that the player’s decision came earlier in his career and that the Manchester United offer was “enticing.” While the articles differ slightly in wording, they present the same core account: the goalkeeper declined Manchester United, pursued university, and has since progressed to become a first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup. The reports do not provide additional details about the timing of the offer, the university he attended, or the specific terms of Manchester United’s approach.