Manchester United transfer news: Neymar, Sadio Mane and James Milner among failed targets, says Louis Van Gaal

The Dutchman was left bemused at the club’s inability to land his preferred players

Neymar was a Man United target under Van Gaal (Getty)

Louis Van Gaal has detailed his dream 10-man shortlist of transfer targets at Manchester United but bemoaned how Ed Woodward failed to land any of them.

The Dutch manager has recalled taking over at Old Trafford after the 2014 World Cup, insisting the club had to “think big” in the transfer market, with conversations over the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Neymar.

With none of the players signing though, Van Gaal removed himself from the blame, insisting he was not involved in negotiations.

The 69-year-old grew frustrated as rivals Manchester City and Chelsea beat off the Red Devils for their top targets.

“I wanted Robert Lewandowski, but when this proved difficult I tried to get Gonzalo Higuain instead,” Van Gaal explained in the latest issue of Four Four Two, out on 26 August.

Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski was a target for Manchester United (REUTERS)

“Before I had arrived, I also spoke with the board about Neymar. If you are at United, you have to think big. He was also interesting for the club in terms of selling shirts, and I wanted to have quick wingers. 

“For that reason, I also tried to get Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez. Thomas Muller was on my wish list, too, and in central midfield I wanted N’Golo Kanté.  

“I even tried to sign James Milner, who was already quite old but very multifunctional and possessed leadership skills. For the defence, I wanted Sergio Ramos and Mats Hummels, because ours wasn’t the strongest in building from the back. 

“Those were my top targets, but we couldn’t get any of them. I don’t know why, because as the manager I wasn’t involved in any negotiations. 

“After I left, players like [Riyad] Mahrez and [N’Golo] Kanté ended up at Manchester City and Chelsea, while United couldn’t get them. I found that very odd.”