Manchester United aimed at a step for Alvaro Morata before signing Romelu Lukaku in 2017.
The Red Devils strengthened their striker line with the arrival of the Belgian striker from Everton.
Lukaku was fresh from a 25-goal prime minister League season with the Toffees, and only Harry Kane achieved more.
United, however, started a change for Morata and even an offer for the Spaniard.
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Instead, he sealed a move to Chelsea from Real Madrid in the same window.
A few months after his time at the Stamford Bridge, Morata picked up the lid because of the interest of United.
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In conversation with the Daily Mail in September 2017, he revealed: “I had various offers this summer, not only Chelsea and Manchester United, but also from different leagues. It was a good situation for me.
“The most important and best conversation that I had with Conte wanted me to come here.
“At the beginning of summer, I didn’t know that Chelsea was interested in me.
“I thought they would have another player, maybe Lukaku or maybe someone else, I don’t know. I didn’t think the option of Chelsea was open.
“But I spoke to Conte several times – and not only this summer. I felt in guilt for him. He signed me for Juventus, but went very quickly to manage Italy.
“I always wanted to play for him afterwards. It was only two months with him, but it felt like I knew him forever.
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“When I knew he wanted me this summer, I didn’t think twice. I did everything I could to reach the move.”
Ultimately, Jose Mourinho and United turned their attention to Lukaku.
The head of the Red Devils was concerned about the obvious reluctance of Real Madrid to sell the Spanish international.
Mourinho believed that the La League giants had pulled out negotiations before offering Morata a new deal.
Lukaku scored 42 goals in 96 games during his time in Old Trafford.
However, he was sold to Inter Milan only two years later after Mourinho had been replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
With regard to Morata, his Chelsea career led 24 goals in 72 appearances for The Blues.
After completing a loan move to Atletico Madrid in January 2019, his exit was made permanently 18 months later.
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