Manchester United CEO Ed Woodward has revealed why the Red Devils opted against signing Bruno Fernandes this summer.
The Sporting CP captain was heavily linked with a move to United this summer, with all Portuguese outlets constantly linking him with a move to the club. However, Woodward and co decided against signing the player, much to the wrath of the United fans.
And now, the CEO has revealed the reason behind the decision.
“We’re usually after three players every transfer window, so we might be talking to nine in reality,” said Woodward.
“What you are referring to in the original question does happen, but it’s less likely to happen to give our closed-door approach to recruitment targets.”
“But it does exist and we have to be wary of that [players using the club interested in them, to get new deals].
“Sometimes, the amount of time a player or his agent invests into discussions, meetings and contracts shows that there is an interest.”
“If it was only a flippant interest then they could go and put a fake story then go to a club president and go say ‘Look at who is in for me.’ That happens all the time as well.”
“What sometimes also happens is that we do have a player in an agreed position, but his club refuse to sell and, because the club refuse to sell, the player then uses that to get a new contract,” he further explained.
“From our perspective, we have to try and see through it and make sure that the club is not being used.”
“We don’t waste time, we’re more robust,” Woodward concluded.
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