Romelu Lukaku insists he 'didn't want' Man Utd move amid Chelsea interest as striker reveals Jose Mourinho phone call before ill-fated Old Trafford transfer

The striker signed for United from Everton for a reported £75 million but has now opened up on the move, claiming he regrets being influenced by a phone call from then-Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho.

Lukaku told Het Nieuwsblad: "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 scored 42 goals in 96 appearances in two seasons at Old Trafford, also registering 12 assists, but was not part of a successful United team under Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He did eventually re-join Chelsea, signing from Inter in 2021.

Lukaku has since found a new home at Napoli, netting 14 goals last season, and will be aiming to inspire a defence of Serie A in 2025-26 with new team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.