Louis van Gaal says he still has complete faith in executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, despite Manchester United having missed out on another key target after Pedro joined Chelsea.

The Old Trafford chief had flown to Barcelona to seal a deal earlier this week but was beaten to the winger’s signature by the Premier League champions, while they also missed out on Manchester City new-boy Nicolas Otamendi and Sergio Ramos, who signed a new contract with Real Madrid.

“No-one should doubt Ed Woodward,” the Dutch coach told reporters, though he refused to go into details of why and how United missed out on Pedro despite a deal seemingly being in place.

“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.”

More to follow…