Manchester United 'Fell Asleep' In Pedro Pursuit

Manchester United ‘fell asleep’ during their pursuit of Pedro, leading to the winger signing for Chelsea, according to the Spain international’s agent.

Chelsea completed the £21.4m transfer of Pedro on Thursday despite United's chief executive Ed Woodward reportedly travelling to Barcelona on Wednesday to complete a deal for the 28-year-old.

Manager Louis van Gaal tried to play down his interest in Pedro during his Friday press conference but agent Antonio Sanz insists Chelsea capitalised on United's last-minute hesitation.

"Maybe Manchester United fell asleep," Sanz told Radio Club Tenerife. "The negotiation with Chelsea was like a lightning bolt.

"It is common knowledge that United were in the bidding for Pedro, but Chelsea were faster and within 24 hours reached an agreement with the club. It was a whirlwind."

Mourinho told reporters ahead of Chelsea's game at West Brom on Sunday that he is delighted to have signed Pedro, who he described as "one of the best attacking players in the world."

And Sanz is convinced the Spaniard will make a smooth transition to playing in England, insisting his client will be a smash hit in the Premier League.

"Pedro is going to have a very good year and is going to be one of the sensations of the Premier League," he said.

Credit: Skysports.com