Romelu Lukaku has admitted he never wanted to join Manchester United in 2017, even though the transfer from Everton was already agreed.
The Belgian striker revealed how his planned move to Chelsea was derailed by a surprise phone call from then-Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.
“I had already told everyone: I’m going to Chelsea. But suddenly Mourinho called me to say that Manchester United had made an offer.
“I came back from vacation and suddenly there was an agreement with Everton. I said to Mino (Raiola, after the move): ‘I don’t want this’, and then I decided now I’m doing everything myself,” Lukaku said.
Despite netting 42 goals in 96 games and adding 12 assists across two seasons, his time in Manchester was mixed. Manchester United struggled for identity and results under Jose Mourinho and later Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Lukaku’s recent comments offer rare insight into a major transfer that didn’t go as planned.
