Manchester United failed in an attempt to sign youngster Mikayil Faye - then at Barcelona - during the summer transfer window, according to his agent.
The Red Devils enjoyed a hugely-productive period in the market, getting five high-profile deals over the line to bolster Erik ten Hag's squad.
Three of the additions were for the defensive ranks, with Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro all making the switch to Old Trafford.
United have since made an indifferent start to the new Premier League campaign, accumulating six points from their opening four fixtures in England's top flight.
In the background, speculation persisted that United were prepared to make further signings with their future in mind, including holding an interest in a player who was at Barcelona at the time.
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"He didn't like that option"
Faye had not played a single first-team fixture for Barcelona, yet appeared on the radar of several of European football's top clubs.
The Senegal international ultimately signed for Rennes for a reported €12m and has remained as an unused substitute for the club's most recent two fixtures in Ligue 1.
Nevertheless, as per agent Andy Bara, who was talking to Podcast Inkubator, the 20-year-old rejected a move to United because of fears that he would not earn regular football.
Bara said: "Manchester United were interested in Faye, but he didn't like that option. He wasn't a regular at Barcelona, so what did it matter if he hadn't had the same at United? His development wouldn't have progressed at all."
"Barca wanted a buy-back clause in Faye's contract with Rennes and this was the only condition that Barca put forward. The clause is €30m. Now it all depends on Faye and his development.
"Mika Faye left because the club needed 'fair play' and Inigo Martinez, who the club wanted to sell, refused to leave."
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Right move for all parties?
Faye may be highly-rated but his only experience of senior club football is in the Croatian second tier.
A lack of European football for Rennes this season may be an issue with regards to chances for regular action, yet he would have likely been limited to cup action had he signed for Man United instead.
Given the options that Ten Hag already has at his disposal, Faye would have slotted in as seventh-choice centre-back had he moved to the Theatre of Dreams.
Darren Plant
