Did Manchester United really pull out of a deal to sign Pedro out of their own choice or was Louis van Gaal simply outbid and outmanoeuvred by Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea?
As much as we want to believe Van Gaal, we just can’t see how he felt Pedro – a goalscoring, versatile, pacy and exciting winger – didn’t tick all the requirements for what Man United desperately need right now.
Plus, at €30m he was an absolute steal in terms of how much players of his quality go for in the current transfer market but, for reasons unbeknownst, United didn’t want to pay that.
His goalscoring debut for Chelsea only made it sink home even more that United missed out on Pedro and fans were understandably a little bit frustrated as the Spaniard inspired the London side to a 3-2 win over West Brom.
We have been trying to get Pedro for weeks then last minute we backed out? Not for me. Even Pedro's agent said "United went sleeping."
— Pasha (@Pash021) August 23, 2015
Pedro. 30 minutes… one goal… one assist… not what we need. Without a shadow of a doubt. #MUFC
— Michael Gatt (@MikielGatt) August 23, 2015
Just the goal and assist for Pedro in 29 minutes. Van Gaal's right though, United obviously don't need attacking improvements.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) August 23, 2015
You know when you try convincing yourself that Pedro isn't even that good and you didn't want him anyway? Not so easy..
— Sam (@ImNoMortalSam) August 23, 2015
United could do with a player like Pedro etc …
— Dave Hanley (@InvictusDave) August 23, 2015
Pedro deliveries ????
— Tinkerman (@VickieOfficiel) August 23, 2015
Guys.. We all know Pedro would have been perfect for us. But now he's a Chelsea player. For goodness sake, move on. #mufc
— Daniel Feliciano (@dmf180593) August 23, 2015
Whatever way you look at it, right now United, Van Gaal + Woodward look like fools for not paying the cheap €30m release clause for Pedro.
— MUFC Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) August 23, 2015
United were beaten to the signing of Pedro out of being too slow, plain and simple, because if United were never interested in him then why pursue him in the first place?
The current lack of attacking verve and pace in the side which was shown again in the Newcastle game brought those frustrations bubbling back to the surface, which were compounded by Pedro’s impressive debut.
There is still time left in the window for United to solve their own problems but fans do have every right to look on at Pedro and think ‘what if’ because he does look every bit like the player which the squad currently lacks.
