MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag was BLOCKED from signing Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech during the transfer window, according to reports.
The Red Devils had been heavily linked with a swoop for the Morocco international last month.
Chelsea were understood to be prepared to sell him for as little as £8million, but no offer was received before deadline day.
And according to Manchester Evening News, that was because United chiefs actually BLOCKED Ten Hag from making a bid despite claims suggesting they would back him fully.
Nevertheless, the Red Devils had another expensive summer having introduced five new additions.
Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen became the first signings of the window when they arrived from Feyenoord and Brentford respectively.
Read More on Man Utd
United began to splash the cash when they brought in Lisandro Martinez from Ajax for £55m.
Casemiro followed in a shock £70m move from Real Madrid last month.
And Antony became the most expensive signing of the summer when he made the blockbuster £85.5m move from Ajax on deadline day.
The Red Devils also signed Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a season-long loan with a £5m option-to-buy.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
However, they did miss out on top target Frenkie de Jong, who decided to remain at Barcelona.
The midfielder was expected to leave before deadline day, but chose to stay despite the club threatening to slash his wages.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
