If the below article from Simon Mullock is true, then that explains why there was issues regarding certain transfers. Our scouts and Mourinho'a scouts had a difference of opinion it seems. Woodward had to back our scouts.
"United’s scouting network has come under scrutiny following Mourinho’s departure. The club now have 60 scouts at their disposal around the world.
But chief scout Jim Lawlor and head of development John Murtough were marginalised by Mourinho during his two-and-a-half year reign in Manchester.
The Portuguese preferred to use his own trusted network of scouts and agents when it came to recruiting players.
That led to a difference of opinion on the players Mourinho felt were required and those the United board were willing to buy.
An Old Trafford insider said: “The club has a vast army of scouts, but they were frustrated by Mourinho’s refusal to listen.”
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/inside-story-jose-mourinhos-man-13770482
"United’s scouting network has come under scrutiny following Mourinho’s departure. The club now have 60 scouts at their disposal around the world.
But chief scout Jim Lawlor and head of development John Murtough were marginalised by Mourinho during his two-and-a-half year reign in Manchester.
The Portuguese preferred to use his own trusted network of scouts and agents when it came to recruiting players.
That led to a difference of opinion on the players Mourinho felt were required and those the United board were willing to buy.
An Old Trafford insider said: “The club has a vast army of scouts, but they were frustrated by Mourinho’s refusal to listen.”
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/inside-story-jose-mourinhos-man-13770482