“It’s a question for Florentino Perez.”
After being massively backed in the transfer window, Jose Mourinho will have no excuses (he’ll probably find one) if his Manchester United side don’t challenge Chelsea for their Premier League crown.
Given that Mourinho has mastered the art of winning titles during his second season in charge at various clubs, United supporters will be hoping that this run continues as they aim to win their first title since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
This being said, bridging a 24 point gap on Antonio Conte’s side is an absolutely massive challenge, but with Victor Lindelöf and Romelu Lukaku arriving this summer, United should be far more ruthless.
While Lukaku didn’t make the best of starts in United’s 5-2 demolition of LA Galaxy, the £75m signing from Everton should score plenty of goals at Old Trafford. The club clearly rated him higher than other transfer targets, as seeb by the fact that they’ve apparently ended their interest in Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.
At the start of the summer, United fans were dreaming of a more high profile signing from Real Madrid though as news emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo had become disillusioned with life at the Bernabeu. Yep, we were totally shocked to find out that he’s ultimately staying with the back-to-back Champions League winners.
After the match against the LA Galaxy, the Manchester United manager was asked about United’s pursuit of both Ronaldo and Morata.
Regarding Ronaldo, Mourinho said that signing him is practically “mission impossible.”
“We have never thought about it, because he’s such an important player for his club, of great economic power, where we have not been able to find for whatever reason that could have made us think that Ronaldo could leave. I’m not a defender of my club once you waste time on players who are mission impossible.” said Mourinho.
As for the pursuit of Morata, the Manchester United manager reiterated that the price tag was the most important factor in United’s decision not to pursue the former Juventus player.
United valued Morata at £65m, Real wanted £79m and Mourinho said:
“It’s a question for Florentino [Perez, Real President]. What I said today is what I say today. Clubs put price tags on players. He belongs to Madrid. Madrid has decided and we have not come to an agreement. It’s simple. It’s a shame. He’s a player who made it to the first team with me [at Real]. We have a special liking for him, he’s someone special. I enjoyed watching his evolution at Juventus and Madrid. It’s like that, but I don’t think he can end with us.”
There you have it Manchester United fans, it looks like Jose has ended any hopes of Morata arriving at the club. Then again, maybe he’s trying to force Real Madrid to lower their asking price?
We shall see.
