Romelu Lukaku Man Utd Move a Mistake, Striker Admits

The **Romelu Lukaku Man Utd** transfer in 2017 is a move that has been debated and dissected for years, but the striker himself has now added a stunning new layer to the narrative, revealing he never actually wanted the Old Trafford switch in the first place. In a candid admission, Lukaku has stated that his heart was set on a return to Chelsea, only for a last-minute phone call from then-United manager Jose Mourinho to change the entire trajectory of his career.

This revelation reframes his two-year spell in Manchester, which was marked by flashes of brilliance but ultimately ended in disappointment. It suggests that the Belgian forward arrived at the club without the full conviction required to succeed under the immense pressure of the famous red shirt, a sentiment that perhaps explains the inconsistencies that plagued his time there. The transfer, which cost Manchester United a reported £75 million, was seen as a major coup at the time, snatching a prolific Premier League goalscorer from the grasp of the reigning champions, Chelsea. Now, it seems it was a move built on a shaky foundation.

The Chelsea Dream and the Mourinho Intervention

In the summer of 2017, Romelu Lukaku was one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. After a phenomenal season with Everton, it was clear his time at Goodison Park was coming to an end. The dominant narrative was a romantic return to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, then managed by Antonio Conte, were desperately seeking a new focal point for their attack after falling out with Diego Costa. Lukaku, having previously been on Chelsea’s books as a youngster, seemed the perfect fit. He understood the club, had unfinished business, and Conte’s 3-5-2 system appeared tailor-made for a powerful striker like him.

However, Manchester United and Jose Mourinho had other ideas. Mourinho, who had ironically sold Lukaku from Chelsea during his second spell as their manager, identified the Belgian as the ideal replacement for the departing Zlatan Ibrahimović. According to Lukaku’s recent comments, it was a direct phone call from the Portuguese manager that swayed his decision. “I was gone, I was going to Chelsea,” Lukaku explained, detailing how his agent, Mino Raiola, had finalized the terms. But Mourinho’s persuasive power proved decisive. He convinced Lukaku that he would be the main man at Old Trafford, the undisputed leader of the line for one of the world’s biggest clubs. This appeal to his ego and ambition, coming directly from a legendary manager, was enough to reroute his destination from London to Manchester at the eleventh hour.

Analyzing the Ill-Fated Romelu Lukaku Man Utd Stint

The story of the **Romelu Lukaku Man Utd** era is one of a bright start followed by a gradual and frustrating decline. His initial impact was undeniable, as he scored 11 goals in his first 10 games, seemingly justifying the huge transfer fee and the decision to choose United over Chelsea. He provided the physical presence and goal threat that the team had been missing.

A Promising Start Fades into Frustration

Despite the explosive start, the honeymoon period did not last. As the season wore on, Lukaku’s form became more erratic. The goals began to dry up, and criticism of his overall game started to mount. Pundits and fans alike began to focus on his first touch, his hold-up play, and his perceived inability to perform in the biggest games against top-tier opposition. The pressure of being the club’s main striker, a role previously held by legends like Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Eric Cantona, seemed to weigh heavily on his shoulders. The initial confidence gave way to visible frustration on the pitch, and the once-prolific scorer began to look isolated and ineffective.

Tactical Misfit Under Two Managers

A significant part of the problem was a tactical one. Under Mourinho, United’s style was often cautious and defensive, particularly in big matches. This meant Lukaku was often left isolated up front, tasked with battling two central defenders with little support. He was expected to be a target man, holding the ball up and bringing others into play, a role that didn’t fully utilize his greatest strength: running in behind defenders with pace and power.

When Mourinho was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the tactical approach shifted to a more fluid, fast-paced counter-attacking style. While this should have suited Lukaku better in theory, it was players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial who thrived with their agility and interplay. Lukaku, with his larger frame, sometimes struggled to keep up with the rapid transitions and intricate passing moves, making him look like an awkward fit in the new system as well. His second season saw him frequently deployed on the right wing or even benched, a clear sign that he was no longer central to the manager’s plans. The **Romelu Lukaku Man Utd** partnership was clearly not working for either party.

The Aftermath and Inter Milan Redemption

The inevitable departure came in 2019, when Lukaku secured a move to Inter Milan, finally uniting with