Louis van Gaal vetoed Manchester United's efforts to sign Renato Sanches from Benfica, according to multiple reports citing senior sources at Old Trafford.
After months of reports linking Sanches to United, the highly rated midfielder signed a five-year contract with Bayern Munich on Tuesday for an initial €35 million fee.
After the move was completed, the Telegraph and other outlets reported that United had ended their pursuit in February and did not make a formal offer at Van Gaal's instruction.
Van Gaal wanted to pursue "alternative targets" this summer, according to reports.
Allowing the manager the power to make such a decision when his job has been under such scrutiny this season could be an indication that the Dutchman will stay on at United for the final year of his contract, the reports said.
United are also reported to have a verbal agreement with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to take over the club, though no contract has been signed.
Mourinho has long been linked to keeping tabs on his 18-year-old countryman Sanches.
Van Gaal can go a long way to salvaging Man United's season and keeping his job by winning the last two games of the season, which would secure a fourth-place finish and a spot in next year's Champions League.