In Jose Mourinho’s ideal world, he would have taken more than just two new signings with him on Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the United States.The Red Devils have spent more than £100 million on Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku but there were reports that he wanted all of his major signings made before United travelled Stateside.But moves for Ivan Perisic and Nemanja Matic haven’t gone through as quickly as Mourinho would have liked.Inter Milan are proving tough negotiators with regards to Perisic, while a deal that would see Matic reunite with Mourinho could now go through after Chelsea announced the signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko from AS Monaco.Meanwhile, moves for Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabinho now seem dead.Mourinho needed a striker to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was released after suffering a serious knee injury.But Lukaku, who arrived from Everton in a deal worth £75m, wasn’t the Man United manager’s first choice.
Man United wanted Morata
They were heavily linked with Alvaro Morata but, as Mourinho revealed, Real Madrid proved difficult negotiators.
“It's a question for Florentino [Perez, Real President],” Mourinho said, per the Mirror. “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.”
Herrera names the player he thought Man United would sign
Morata’s failed move came as a surprise to Ander Herrera, who thought that the Spanish striker would be lining up alongside him at Old Trafford this season.
"I even started to think I'd be playing with Morata,” Herrera said, per AS. “He was really close to signing.
“It's a shame he's not with us but he's a top striker and will do well wherever he plays.”
Man United decided on Lukaku
Morata was said to be interested in a move to Manchester. Indeed, Marca wondered if photos of Morata with a tinge of red in his hair were evidence of the 24-year-old’s excitement about the transfer.
But, with Real unwilling to sell on the cheap, Mourinho switched his attentions to Lukaku.
And the Portuguese is backing the Belgian, who he worked with at Chelsea, to be a hit at Man United.
Mourinho: 'I am looking forward to working with Lukaku'
“Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester United,” Mourinho said, via The Guardian. “He is a big personality and a big player.
“It is only natural that he wants to develop his career at the biggest club. He will be a great addition to the group and I know they will make him very welcome.
“I am really looking forward to working with him again.”