Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal claimed on Saturday that he did not sign former FC Barcelona player Pedro Rodriguez as he felt that the midfielder would not improve his squad.
Pedro was linked to a lucrative move to Manchester before joining defending English Premier League (EPL) champions Chelsea FC earlier this week.
The Spanish winger may have disappointed several United fans after rejecting their club's offer, but van Gaal insisted that he has no need for the former World Cup winner.
"You can see my squad and you can see for every position we now have two players. We don't have to change, but when we can improve we shall do that, but only in our way and not in the way people are suggesting," the Dutch manager was quoted as saying by express.co.uk.
"If we had wanted Pedro, it (the deal) was not a problem (to complete) but when Manchester United wants a player he shall come."
He also defended Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who was the target of vocal criticism for his handling of the Pedro saga.
"I have the idea you want to separate Ed Woodward with me. Never. Never. Because every day I am updated by him and I trust him," he said.
"I don't think they (the critics) have to doubt Ed Woodward because he has proven already for many, many years he is the right person on the right spot."
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
