John Murtough blocked Man Utd from signing Barcelona star

Manchester United football director John Murtough blocked the club from signing Sergino Dest on loan from Barcelona.

The Red Devils were widely fancied to land a new right-back on deadline day and it was suggested that Aaron Wan-Bissaka could make way.

Both Crystal Palace and West Ham United were interested in landing him, but ultimately, the 24-year-old stayed put with the Red Devils.

According to The Athletic, Dest was a realistic option for manager Erik ten Hag and the Dutchman was open to parting ways with Wan-Bissaka.

However, Murtough opted to veto the potential move for the Barcelona ace by deciding to back the Englishman to succeed under Ten Hag.

Dest was open to a reunion with his former Ajax manager. He eventually made the switch to AC Milan on loan with a €20 million buy option.

Milan moved for him after their back-up right-back Alessandro Florenzi got injured. It remains to be seen whether they sign him permanently.