The Pedro to Manchester United deal that never was has all the oddness of the collapsed deal for Ander Herrera, when men posing as United representatives tried to close the deal in 2013 – a year before the player actually joined Manchester United.
Manchester United fans want to know what happened and the agent of the player has now shed some light on the deal by saying that United possibly ‘fell asleep’ on the move.
“Maybe Manchester United fell asleep,”
He also suggested that the speed at which Chelsea made their move for the Spain international was also a decisive factor:
“The negotiation with Chelsea was like a lightning bolt.
“It is common knowledge that United were in the bidding for Pedro, but Chelsea were faster and within 24 hours reached an agreement with the club. It was a whirlwind.”
Manchester United are perceived to have egg on their faces with this one.
There has been a suggestion that they weren’t that keen on the player after all. Louis van Gaal said in response to questions about the failed deal:
LVG: “When I said Pedro fitted the profile I could not lie. I said yes. You (the media) said I was interested.”
“You put my comments into another context. I never said he was coming.”
But these latest quotes from the agent could suggest that United wanted him all the way through the negotiations for the player but ultimately lost out.
This will do nothing for the reputation of Ed Woodward as he is seen by many Manchester United fans to be struggling to get deals across the line.
Barça – Napoli – 20140806 – Pedro Rodriguez
We will only know how much of a loss Pedro has been when the window closes. If Manchester United have bought a world-beater and Pedro struggles to adapt then LvG will be vindicated yet again.
But if Manchester United fail to add to their squad – there are just 10 days left for business – then questions will surely be asked about the suitability of Ed Woodward to the role as chief deal closer.
Manchester United fans: did the club drop the ball on Pedro?
