On Thursday, Mascherano, 22, along with striker Carlos Tevez, 22, signed for West Ham from Corinthians of Brazil on permanent deals for undisclosed fees.

"We were never interested in Tevez," United chief executive David Gill told BBC Five Live. "We were also offered Mascherano, but we didn't want to go for him.

"We were offered Mascherano for a significant sum at the start of the summer and also last week on a loan deal.

"We had watched him last season but the manager (Alex Ferguson) and his staff didn't want to pursue him.

"While he is clearly a very good player it was decided he wasn't required at the club."

Gill added that he was optimistic over a new contract for striker Wayne Rooney.

England international Rooney, 20, wants to extend the six-season deal he signed when he joined United in August 2004.

"His eagerness to sign a long-term deal is great," Gill said.

"I think there will be developments over the next few months.

"We want to tie him down to the club."