Former Manchester United man Louis Saha has revealed that the club's decision to not sign Toby Alderweireld during the summer transfer window is a "complete mystery" to him.
The Red Devils concluded just one piece of business on deadline day, with Romelu Lukaku sealing his exit from the club, joining Inter Milan for £73million after finding himself surplus to requirements.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has invested heavily in his playing squad to sign Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire but Saha feels United missed out on a perfect addition to their ranks.
The Frenchman thinks that United missed a trick by not making a move for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld who was available for just £25m due to a release clause.
"Why United didn't trigger Alderweireld's release clause is a complete mystery to me," the ex-striker told Bwin. "He's been excellent for Tottenham and would have instantly strengthened United's defence."
The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the defender and pursued him aggressively last year, but Tottenham were unwilling to budge on their valuation.
As a result, United dropped their interest and turned attentions to Maguire, paying a world-record fee for a defender to lure him from Leicester.
Saha feels that his former side could have partnered their latest addition with the Belgium international.
The Frenchman said: "When you look at the money United have spent on defenders this summer, they could have got themselves an absolute bargain who still has a lot of years of football to play,
"United clearly made Maguire the main target, but the pair could have been a real force together."
