Manchester United pushed hard to sign Juventus attacker Douglas Costa this summer.

The Daily Mail says Costa suffered from injury problems last season and United looked to take advantage as they went in search of star names to bolster their attack.

However, new coach Maurizio Sarri - who moved to Turin this summer from Chelsea after replacing former boss Massimiliano Allegri - blocked any potential move.

The player's agent Giovanni Branchini said: "I sincerely say that Allegri and Sarri have never thought of letting him go.

"The interest of Manchester United was strong, a club that has always been interested in the Brazilian.

"It was not the only club but in England it was certainly the most active team on the trail of Douglas Costa."