Cruz Azul didn’t want him and now he’s one step away from playing with Cristiano Ronaldo

Prior the title that Cruz Azul won in Apertura 2021, which ended a 23-year drought without any Liga MX titles, La Máquina was one of the unluckiest teams in Mexican soccer, as not only the results were against them, but also the bad decisions to build their rosters.

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The last time that La Máquina won a Liga MX title was in Invierno 97, the third short tournament in Mexican soccer -as prior to 1996, Liga MX used to play one long season, same as all European leagues-, when Cruz Azul beat Club León by a 2-1 aggregate.

Since then, Los Cementeros were close to win another Liga MX title a few times, the most remembered one against Club América in Clausura 2013, when a goal scored by Moisés Muñoz, Las Águilas goalkeeper, took away the victory for Cruz Azul.

As if that wasn’t enough, the management of La Máquina up until the departure of “Billy” Álvarez prevented them from being more successful, as they either signed players that didn’t contribute, or let go footballers that shined in other teams.

He was rejected from Cruz Azul

That’s what happened with one of today’s most renowned Mexican players, who tried to be part of Los Cementeros’ academy team but was rejected, as the coaches and scouts of the younger categories didn’t see enough talent in him.

Edson Álvarez was set to prove them wrong and became a Club América player, where he shined at a young age thanks to Ricardo La Volpe, who gave him the chance of debuting on the first team in 2016, something that opened the doors for his departure to Europe a few seasons later.

Since then, the 24-year-old defensive midfielder has become an essential player for Erik ten Hag in Eredivisie side AFC Ajax, where he’s won three titles so far, in the three seasons he’s played there, and now he is about to make the jump to one of the biggest leagues in the world thanks to his coach.

Erik ten Hag wants him in Manchester United

The Ajax coach will leave Eredivisie for next season, as he was announced by Manchester United as their new coach at least until 2025. Erik ten Hag wants to have Edson Álvarez with him in the Red Devils, as he knows he’s a talented player that can improve the roster. Man Utd are considering singing him given his low market value, which currently is set at $22 million.

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