The representative of Douglas Costa has acknowledged that the attacker was on the radar of Manchester United during the recently concluded summer transfer window. The experienced winger was earmarked as one of the prime candidates to bolster the Red Devils attack but Bianconeri boss Maurizio Sarri is said to have blocked the player’s departure.

Speaking to The Mail, agent Giovanni Branchini revealed that the Red Devils have been on the trail of the Brazil international for somewhile but they have not been able to convince the Bianconeri into a sale, he said: “I sincerely say that Allegri and Sarri have never thought of letting him go. The interest of Manchester United was strong, a club that has always been interested in the Brazilian. It was not the only club but in England it was certainly the most active team on the trail of Douglas Costa.”

The failure to pursue Costa from Juventus meant that the Red Devils could pursue just one attacker in the form of Daniel James from Swansea City. The winger joined the club as somewhat of an unknown but he has quickly settled and contributed three goals from the opening four Premier League matches.

That has already made him a favourite among the United faithful and it remains to be seen whether he can carry on with the same level of form through the entire season. Elsewhere, Costa has returned to the Bianconeri fold after a frustrating 2018/19 campaign where he was regularly hampered with injury concerns.

He has started both of the club’s games at the start of the league season and he grabbed a couple of assists during the thrilling 4-3 triumph over Napoli. As such, the Brazilian has managed to return to regular contention for the Serie A holders and that should diminish the prospect of him leaving the club for regular first-team football.