Ed Woodward, for once, is not to blame.
The Manchester United CEO was getting it in the neck earlier today as it was confirmed that Renato Sanches had signed for Bayern Munich.
The Benfica wunderkind confirmed this morning that he is Bundesliga bound, which was a huge disappointment to many Manchester United fans.
They had been led to believe that the playmaker was a key summer target for the club.
Renato Sanches to Bayern, Ed Woodward 👍🏽 another balls up #mufc
— 🇿🇦 Pablito (@Vuyo_Nova) May 10, 2016
The player was understood to be considering an offer from the club, but this afternoon it has been confirmed why the deal was pulled.
The Telegraph is reporting Manchester United insiders claim the reason the 18-year-old was not signed was all down to Louis van Gaal, and his insistence that the player would not be a good fit at the club.
Jorge Mendes has spoken extensively to Manchester United representatives, but the newspaper claims that Louis van Gaal did not see the sense in paying almost €35million for a teenager, with further clauses likely to push the price up to €50million if he reaches certain targets
LvG blocking the move is understood to be a key indicator that he feels he will certainly be in situ next season as a manager regardless of their Premier League fate.
Which would indicate that the likelihood of Jose Mourinho popping up as Manchester United manager next season, is growing slimmer by the day.
€35million for a teenager? No sense? Anthony Martial, anyone?
