Manchester United twice missed out on signing World Cup star James Rodriguez according to reports

James Rodriguez: Did the Red Devils reject this talent?

James Rodriguez is currently lighting up the World Cup with Colombia, and he could well have been playing his club football at Manchester United, who have missed out on signing the 22-year-old twice, according to the Daily Star.

Rodriguez has scored in each of Colombia’s four games in Brazil, and he has scored five goals, making him the top scorer so far. He was the star of his nation’s 2-0 victory over Uruguay in the second round last night, picking up his third man of the match award, and his superb dipping volley was one of the goals of the tournament.

His value has soared as a result of his performances, but Manchester United had the chance to sign him for just £6.5 million in 2012. United have a scout permanently based in South America, and Rodriguez was playing for Banfield in Argentina. The Premier League giants decided not to make an offer for the playmaker, and Porto brought him to Europe instead.

They had another chance to bring him to Old Trafford last summer, but were reluctant to meet Porto’s asking price of almost £40 million, and Monaco swooped in to sign him.

Rodriguez’s goals have taken Colombia to the last eight of the World Cup, and the defeated Uruguay manager believes he is the best player in the tournament.

He said: ”I’ve seen him play for a while.

“He arrived in Argentina at 17 and showed he was a talented player.

“Those who do things which have nothing to do with life experience, Maradona, [Lionel] Messi, [Luis] Suarez, they do things because they have certain gifts that make them special.

“He’s the best player in the World Cup. I don’t think I’m exaggerating.

“We tried to limit him a lot but he kept coming and made his presence felt.

“Hopefully he will develop because he is very young and football needs players with these characteristics.”