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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal Denies club missed out on Pedro

By Ahmed Bayram

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has insisted that he didn’t fail to sign Barcelona star Pedro. The reason why, because the Dutchman wasn’t interested in the player to begin with.

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A last-minute call from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho allegedly convinced the 28-year-old to choose the Blues over the Red Devils, with a £22 million deal between Chelsea and Barcelona sealed in 24-hours.

The former Dutch National Team manager however, denied that Ed Woodward failed to secure Pedro’s signature, insisting that he still has every confidence in the Old Trafford chief.

"“I have the idea that you want to separate Ed Woodward and me. Never. Never’’, the Dutchman said. ‘’Every day I am updated by him and I trust him. I don’t think that people have to doubt him because he has proven for many years that he is the right person in the right spot.‘’If you ask me if Pedro is fitting the profile, I cannot lie. I say yes, but I didn’t say I am interested in the player, that is the difference. He is fast and he is creative. That is why I understand the question.”"

Van Gaal also refused to answer a question on United’s reported interest in Southampton star Sadio Mané, whose name has now emerged after the Pedro move fell through.

"“I cannot answer that question [on Mané] either, because then I interfere and I don’t want to interfere. Ed Woodward is doing the things and he does it very well I think”."

But a strained relationship with the Saints manager Ronald Koeman would make any negotiations difficult to conduct. The rival Dutch boss has already warned that he is not ready to sell Manchester United another of his players this summer after allowing Morgan Schneiderlin to leave for the English giants.

"“We’re not selling any more players”, said Koeman. “Write what you want to about the rumours until 1 September, nobody is going to leave Southampton”."

The Red Devils enter the Newcastle United game with a near-complete squad, with van Gaal indicating that Bastian Shweinstieger might be ready to make his first start since with the club since he moved to England.

The game also comes as captain Wayne Rooney’s form comes under increased scrutiny, as one shot on target in three games raised question marks over his striking merits.

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United faithful will hope that Memphis Depay’s magnificent performance against Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifier will be only the start of a promising season for the player who has shown that he is capable of playing in more than one position.

Fellow Dutch Daley Blind said that Depay has already settled in the squad, and expected that the no.7 has what it takes to be the next star at the Theatre of Dreams.

"“He’s settled in very well,” Blind was quoted by ManUtd.com. “You can see he has a lot of talent, he’s very strong and quick and a real personality. He dares to show himself on the pitch which is very positive and he’s a really good guy who gets along with everyone.“He just needs to enjoy it as much as he can. Of course you’re focused on giving the best performance you can every day in training and in matches, but it’s important not to put yourself under too much pressure and make sure you enjoy moments, like when you play at Old Trafford’’."

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