We've let, what many deemed, a world-class player go and look unlikely to replace him. That doesn't sit well with me. Even if he was performing to a poor standard, there's always the possibility he would have been a sensation this year after he adapts to England and really integrates into the team. Potentially, that's what we missed out on.
Pedro was the perfect replacement, would suit the team down to a tee and doesn't cost a fortune. I'm mystified if van Gaal really isn't convinced by him. We arguably need an extra wide player anyway and definitely an injection of pace, as it looks like Januzaj will play #10 and Mata has his shortcomings out wide.
Would signing Pedro, directly effect Pereira and Januzaj that much? I think it's a bad decision personally, but if the reports of interest in Mane are true, I'd rather we didn't sign anyone.
Have to disagree with multiple points, here.
RE: Di Maria. He was shocking at the end and I feel we've missed out on nothing, there. We've moved on without him, and haven't skipped a beat. People say we need a replacement for Di Maria, like he contributed that much. By the end, he was an extremely expensive bench player who didn't want to play for United and desperately wanted to leave Manchester. He had no impact on the team and had lost his starting role to Ashley Young. After everything that has happened, especially the going AWOL part, how anyone thinks that another season of Di Maria might have worked out is baffling to me.
I don't think Pedro was perfect for United. He's 28 years old, and I think his best might be in the rear view. A 28 year old is not exactly a long term solution for injecting pace into a front line, IMO. Maybe in the short term, but I can fully understand the club being cautious, especially if they are thinking long term. I also think, if Pedro had his heart set on United, he'd be here. He could've refused Chelsea and held out for United. I think if he'd taken the stance of, "It's United or I stay at Barca, that's it" it would have said quite a bit.
"Would signing Pedro, directly effect Pereira and Januzaj that much?" I think it would, actually. I also think it could've affected Mata, too. Let's not forget, Pedro is leaving arguably the best side in Europe, because he wants to start and play more. If he ends up on the bench, or competing for playing time, he'll be asking what the point was of leaving Barca to begin with. He would come expecting to outright claim a spot. TBH, I think it's risky to take on a player who's leaving a great football side (better than United currently), if things aren't working, the player can get out of sorts quick (Point of reference: Di Maria, Angel). Mourinho subbing on Cuadrado was a masterstroke, too - that proved Pedro could take a spot at Chelsea.
I also think maybe we shouldn't put too much stock in the press, but there were articles about how Pedro had reservations about Van Gaal. That's a major risk for the club to make, if true. I certainly wouldn't want him here if he has reservations about LvG before stepping a foot into Carrington. I wouldn't want us to sign any player who has reservations about working with the manager - and that would include anyone from youth prospects to Ronaldo and Bale. Everyone knew LvG was and is a very decisive figure. He's rubbed quite a few people the wrong way, and made a lot of enemies along the way. I can't say I'm at all surprised that his methods and past may put some players off from United, I feel it was bound to happen, eventually.
"If the reports of interest in Mane are true, I'd rather we didn't sign anyone." Well, maybe. I'm a bit biased though because one of the Senegalese lads at work is always on about him when we chat about football, so I ended up paying a bit more attention to him. I think he's a exciting player, and at only 23 years old, can be an option for the long term. Good enough for United? Well, I trust LvG and our scouting department to make that determination.