At Old Trafford, they tell a story about the time Luka Modric informed Rio Ferdinand he wanted to join Manchester United, and how the lukewarm reaction from those in power owed more to the thought of dealing with Tottenham Hotspur rather than it was any judgment on the Croatian’s abilities.



It goes something like this: early in the summer of 2011, Modric texted Ferdinand to say he wanted to leave Spurs and that United, recently crowned champions again, were his preferred destination. Ferdinand, said to be excited at the prospect of a midfielder of Modric’s gifts joining the club, passed on the message to Sir Alex Ferguson. “I’ll let David Gill know,” came the sober reply from the manager, without any of the buzz Ferdinand might have anticipated.



When nothing materialised, Ferdinand checked in with Gill, and United’s chief executive provided context for the club’s reluctance. “It’s the thought of having to deal with...