Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has addressed the media for the first time since Chelsea secured the services of former Barcelona man Pedro.
The Spain international was heavily linked with a possible move to Old Trafford but was convinced by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to move to Stamford Bridge.
But van Gaal says the media were not right in assuming that he was interested in adding the 28-year-old to his squad.
"I can't tell you about these events and I have said it before," van Gaal told reporters on Friday.
"All we are doing is guiding a process and in that process we make decisions.
"I think when we wanted Pedro it was not any problem because there was a clause in his contract so it was an easy contract.
"You can write what you want but we cannot say what we want, that is the difference. I have the responsibility of the interest of my club, of my players and I cannot say too much.
"When you ask me 'is Pedro fitting in the profile?' I cannot lie and I say yes but I did not say we are interested in the player, that's the difference.
"But you bring it that I'm interested. People have to know that what is writing in the papers is not true because you cannot know.
"Only the players know and the clubs know. Also, Barcelona protect their interests and I have read that Barcelona didn't want to let him go so you should ask Barcelona how it is allowed to happen.
"It's like that and I have the idea that you want to separate Ed Woodward with me. Never. Every day I am updated by him and I trust him."
