It appears rumours that David Moyes vetoed Manchester United’s move for Ezequiel Garay last summer could be true, after Benfica defender Lisandro Lopez confirmed he was signed by the club as a replacement for Garay.

United were thought to be in the market for Garay, a rumour that appeared persistently in the media. But with Sir Alex’s retirement, the move failed to materialise.

It appears that Benfica were preparing for the former Real Madrid star’s departure, signing 24 year old Lopez but with Garay remaining in Portugal, Lopez was sent on loan to Getafe for the season.

On international duty ahead of the World Cup, Lopez told Portuguese paper A Bola that he was indeed signed as replacement for Garay, who Benfica believed he was on his way to Old Trafford:

“Benfica bought me because Garay was going to Manchester United.”

Why the move failed to materialise remains a mystery, although all signs point to Moyes cancelling the deal. Which, in hindsight, proved a mistake given how United season turned out and the departures of both Ferdinand and Vidic.

United appear uninterested in Garay this summer, amidst rumours that the center back is on his way to Zenit St. Petersburg.