Despite their embarrassment of riches, Premier League giants Manchester United have conceded defeat in their quest to sign Real Madrid galacticos Alvaro Morata and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Reds manager Jose Mourinho admitting his desire to sign the two players were simply “mission impossible”.
The two Los Blancos stars have been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months, with many insiders insisting the deals are good as done. Manchester United are thought to have prepared for themselves a war chest of at least £200-million to sign the two superstar footballers, but the club’s efforts have been in vain.
The enigmatic Ronaldo, who is once again a favourite to win the Ballon d’Or with his string of stellar performances last season, was thought to be frustrated at Madrid after Spanish authorities accused him of tax fraud.
However, the Portugal captain has since announced his intention to stay at the club, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in full support of his player amidst all the legal problems Ronaldo is facing.
Morata, meanwhile, is set to stay at the Spanish capital after Real Madrid refused to budge on the transfer fee they’ve set for the prolific striker, despite all the negotiating United have done. Indeed, Madrid won’t accept a value lower than £79-million, and United aren’t willing to meet such a high valuation.
“Regarding Morata, he belongs to Madrid. They have decided [not to sell] and we have not come to an agreement. It is simple. It’s a shame,” Mourinho said in a press conference.
“As for Ronaldo, we have never thought about it because he is such an important player for his club, of great economic power.
“I am not a defender of my club once [they] waste time on players who are mission impossible,” Mourinho added.
Regardless, the Reds gaffer will definitely be frustrated at his side’s inability to land targets in the transfer window so far, despite his club’s immense bankroll. While they have already signed centre-back Victor Lindelof from Benfica and Romelu Lukaku from Everton, Mourinho are still looking for two more players to sign to complete his team.
One of those players deemed to be in United’s crosshairs is Chelsea’s midfield general Nemanja Matic, although the move seems unlikely to materialise anytime soon. Then there’s United’s pursuit of Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic, a deal that keeps on dragging on.
Will United be able to land their targets in time? Only time can tell.