Louis van Gaal blames media for linking Pedro with Manchester United

After losing out to Chelsea for Pedro's signature, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says media reports were blown out of proportion regarding his team's interest in the former Barcelona player.

The Dutch boss stated that reports linking United with Pedro, in which United had apparently agreed to terms, were not accurate, despite his admission that the winger fits the profile of a player he'd like to sign.

"When you ask me 'Is Pedro fitting in the profile?' I cannot lie and I say yes but I did not say we are interested in the player, that's the difference," Van Gaal told reporters ahead of Manchester's clash with Newcastle United.

"But you bring it that I'm interested. People have to know that what is writing in the papers is not true because you cannot know."

Manchester United chairman had reportedly been in Barcelona a day before Chelsea completed the €30-million transfer, but Van Gaal revealed that he was under the impression Barcelona were not interested in selling the Spaniard, who had been with the team for a decade.

"Only the players know and the clubs know. Also, Barcelona protect their interests and I have read that Barcelona didn't want to let him go so you should ask Barcelona how it is allowed to happen."

United has now reportedly turned its attention to Southampton striker Sadio Mane, whom the south coast team appear reluctant to sell.