Welcome To Old Trafford - LVG Confirms Pedro Deal

In his press conference of Thursday before Friday’s match against Aston Villa which Manchester United won 1-0 courtesy of Adnan Januzaj’s 26th minute goal, Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has hinted that Barcelona attacker Pedro could be set to join his ranks at the club soon.

The Dutchman told reporters that it is a situation where he would not be saying anything as to whether Pedro would be moving to Old Trafford or if the Spain winger will remain with the Camp Nou landlords. However, his tight-lipped stance is seen as merely out of respect for Barcelona – a team he once managed.

When asked if he was optimistic of landing Pedro, van Gaal answered: “You have to ask Pedro, not me. My answer is it’s a process, it’s a club, it’s a player, and we are there also.

“I don’t mention anything until he has signed. When he has signed, I come to you and say ‘hey, Pedro is here’. That is still not the case. We shall wait and see.” (via Sky Sports).

It was thought that the former Bayern Munich tactician will be confirming to the media at the end of against Aston Villa that Pedro has signed. But as things stand, it is getting more frustrating for the Red Devils.

Pedro’s change in fortune at the Camp Nou prompted his imminent exit. The brilliant partnership former by the deadly trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar limited him to a bench role and he was not happy about that as he wants to play.

Barcelona lost woefully against Athletic Bilbao last night as the European champions were on the receiving end of four unreplied goals in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup. Pedro started the game but did not finish it, and the Blaugrana now have an uphill task of overturning the results when the second leg is being played next week.

With the transfer all but done, all parties will indeed be happy. Barcelona will get a reasonable amount of money for a fringe player, United – short of pace and firepower upfront (as van Gaal highlighted) – will potentially be signing a proven pacey attacker in Pedro, and the player himself will have the chance to boost his opportunity of being chosen to represent Spain in Euro 2016, if he gets enough game time at United. That is what his prospective manager has reportedly promised the 28-year old forward.