Van Gaal defends Woodward over collapse of Pedro transfer

We are very good friends.

Jose Mourinho’s side are preparing for Sunday’s game at West Brom, where Pedro could make his debut.

“He is a huge player for us, we will not talk about offers”, he said. “It is not any pressure for me – we have 28 players”.

“We want to do better and the only way is to work well”.

But while some have criticised Woodward, who was reportedly in Barcelona on Monday to try and negotiate a deal, after United failed to bring in another player, Van Gaal is adamant they should not.

“I was not expecting John or any other player I replace to be jumping or dancing in the dressing room, but he behaved professionally”.

“While the transfer window is open, it’s the opportunity window”, he added.

Van Gaal went on to suggest he was not pressing Woodward to make any more signings in this transfer window, as he sidestepped questions about a possible bid for Southampton’s Sadio Mane. Pedro is a player we like a lot and we are happy to have him.

Pedro has accumulated three Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles for Barcelona, as well as being a world and European champion on the global stage for Spain. “I think (it) is an evident sign of ambition”. He struggled for regular first team action, with boss Luis Enrique often preferring to start 122-goal trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

He said: “Maybe Manchester United fell asleep”. Mourinho refused to comment. I never said he was coming.

“It’s a question of opportunity”, said the Chelsea manager. “It depends on whether you can do something you really believe you cannot pass up”.

Any activity could have repercussions for Juan Cuadrado, Oscar, Ramires and Willian, but Mourinho gave short shrift to suggestions of departures. Along with Thibaut Courtois, he insisted that Terry will return to the starting line up.

Mourinho faces counterpart Tony Pulis this weekend. “It’s a new challenge and I can’t wait to get going”, Pedro, who scored 91 goals in 321 matches for Barcelona said. I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles.

Mourinho claimed not to be aware of that run but smilingly added one of his own for those of a superstitious bent: after previously starting the season with a 2-2 draw, at Porto and Inter, he went on to win the treble.