Ed Woodward wanted to sign Marco Verratti and Raphael Varane for Manchester United.

But he was told that both of the players were unattainable by then boss Jose Mourinho.

The Manchester Evening News reveals that Woodward had a fanciful transfer strategy of getting the best players from top clubs around Europe.

But Mourinho was savvy enough to know that Real would never let Varane go, while PSG would loathe to lose Verratti.

United have now adjusted their transfer model, with Woodward no longer part of the player recommendation process.

He merely signs off on a deal, deciding if it is financially worthwhile for the club.