Jose Mourinho has insisted Manchester United never thought of re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
Ronaldo had been linked with a move back to Old Trafford after stories in Spain that the winger wanted to leave the Bernabeu following accusations by authorities that he has committed a £14 million tax fraud.
But Mourinho is adamant it was never an option, describing a move as “mission impossible.”
He told a news conference after the 5-2 win over LA Galaxy: “We have never thought about it because he is such an important player for his club, of great economic power. We have not been able to find a reason that could have made us think that Ronaldo could leave.
“I am not a defender in my club once you waste time on players who are mission impossible.”
Meanwhile, Mourinho appeared to leave the door open for his club to come to an agreement with Real Madrid for Alvaro Morata.
United signed Romelu Lukaku from Everton last week, seemingly blocking Morata’s path to Old Trafford.
Mourinho hinted the only reason Morata is not a United player is because Real Madrid president Florentino Perez refused to budge on his asking price for the striker.
However, the United manager made no secret of his admiration for a player who he knows well from their time tougher in the Spanish capital.
He added: “It is a question for Florentino. What I said today is what I say today.
“Clubs put price tags on players, not the one who wants to buy. He belongs to Madrid. Madrid has decided and we have not come to an agreement. It is simple. It is a shame.
“It is a player who made it to the first team with me. We have a special liking for, he is someone special. I enjoyed watching his evolution in Juventus and Madrid. It is like that. I don’t think he can end with us.”
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