Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reportedly pulled the plug on a bargain €20m (£18.13m) deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland in January.
The Red Devils missed out to Dortmund on the Norway international at the turn of the year, with BVB first to reach an agreement with the player and then-club Red Bull Salzburg.
ESPN claims that United had a transfer as good as wrapped up, however, only to withdraw their interest when learning of the agent fees that would be involved.
Haaland's camp were also insistent on inserting a release clause in his contract, which Woodward was supposedly unwilling to accept.
That allowed Dortmund to pounce, the German club matching his €20m valuation and agreeing to the €75m clause, which cannot be exercised until 2022.
It has proved to be a shrewd piece of business as Haaland has already scored 21 goals in 23 appearances for Lucien Favre's side.
