Former Manchester United assistant coach Mike Phelan believes new chief executive Ed Woodward is struggling with the demands of working the transfer market. Phelan left United earlier this summer.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Phelan said: "I think that was a cheeky bid. It was never going to get off the ground. What they have done is opened the line into Everton.
"Ed Woodward has previously been on the commercial side and concentrating on bringing money into the club rather than spending it. It is a totally different outlook. He will learn that.
"He may be frightened by a few prices but he will have to pick that up, because you are dealing with high-quality football players.
"He and the club have gone on record to say that money is available. That's great, but then every price goes up a peg or two as well."
