Erik ten Hag is said to have turned down the chance to sign Ivan Toney due to one key concern.
Toney, 28, made to the decision to leave Brentford in the summer, signing for Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ahli on deadline day in a big-money transfer.
Manchester United were known to have been long-term admirers of the forward, but never pushed forward with a bid.
Advert
The Athletic claimed Ten Hag also liked Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin with neither option ever formally explored.
However, it has since emerged that United's reluctance to move for the England international was due to doubts over one key facet of Toney's play.
According to ESPN, Ten Hag did not believe Toney fit the specific tactical demands he was seeking in a forward at Old Trafford.
Advert
Ten Hag doubted the former Peterborough United forward's pressing ability and therefore United resisted making a formal move for the striker.
United instead opted to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna this summer, completing a move thought to be in the region of £35 million.
The former Ajax boss was more than happy to share the details as to why he was so keen on bringing Zirkzee to the club earlier this year.
"He is a player who can link up the game," Ten Hag told newspaper reporters in Norway, after the opening pre-season fixture against Rosenborg.
Advert
"Who can be available, hold up the ball, have good ideas, be creative, can dribble, [make] combinations.
"So that's a different type and always what we are looking for, so it gives us more options tactically, which is good because, especially up front, we have many players who can play very direct and they can take a big benefit from his skills."
Zirkzee scored his first goal for the club on the opening day of the new season, netting against Fulham in a 1-0 victory.
Advert
The Netherlands international shared his delight following his strike, admitting it was the dream start he imagined.
"To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better," he told Sky Sports.
"I've been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man United.
"I'm so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It's an amazing feeling."
Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Ivan Toney, Saudi Arabia
Matthew Holt