According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United passed up the chance to sign Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo as they feared losing Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea were in the race to sign the 24-year-old, but eventually settled for Real’s Alvaro Morata.
Ronaldo was unhappy in Spain last season, having been accused of defrauding the tax authorities. The Portuguese international was reportedly seeking an exit, and naturally United were linked due to their attempts to bring him back to Old Trafford in the past.
However, no move materialised in January 2017, nor was a deal agreed in the summer, and MEN believe United’s pursuit of Lukaku was the reason why. Manager Jose Mourinho didn’t want to get embroiled in a lengthy and unsuccessful battle to bring Ronaldo back to England and risked losing out on Lukaku if he didn’t put his focus on landing the Belgian.
As a result, the Everton striker came to Old Trafford, Ronaldo stayed at Real Madrid, and now it appears Gareth Bale’s future is being speculated about. Mourinho has made it clear that he doesn’t want to strengthen his attack, however, which suggests the Red Devils won’t be in the running if the Welshman does seek an exit.
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