Jose Mourinho claims Manchester United were never in the race to sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid this summer.
Reports had claimed that the 28-year-old was keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer and United were ready to submit a world-record offer to Madrid.
Mourinho remains keen on signing a wide attacker and United have been in talks with Inter over a deal for Ivan Perisic.
But when asked if Bale was ever considered as a target this summer, Mourinho replied: ‘No.
‘No, because you have contacts, you have feelings, you understand things, I think it was clear that Bale likes Madrid, likes the challenge, likes the situation.
‘He’s in a club that’s in a very good situation now.
‘I never felt a desire from him to leave, so why lose time and energy on that? No.’
Bale is set to face United on Sunday evening as Real Madrid take on Jose Mourinho’s side in their first pre-season friendly.