Jose Mourinho was reportedly prevented from signing Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng by Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward.
Mourinho was in the market for a new centre-back during the summer transfer window, and Boateng had spoken about wanting to take on a new challenge after a successful period at Bayern.
United were strongly linked with an approach for the Germany international, but according to ESPN, Woodward said no to making an offer for the former Manchester City man.
The report suggests that Boateng's injury record was the reason why Woodward would not give the green light to any deal, with the suggestion that the addition would not represent value for money.
United eventually failed to add another central defender to Mourinho's squad, and a poor record at the back has contributed to a poor first half to the campaign.
Mourinho was removed from his position in the dugout on Tuesday, with United replacing the Portuguese with the interim appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Darren Plant
