New Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic turned down the chance to go to Manchester United because of Jose Mourinho's presence in the dugout.
The American, who joined Chelsea in January for £58m before returning on loan to Borussia Dortmund in the back half of the season, had the chance to join United before that, but was put off by the Portuguese manager's record with youth - according to one of his former coaches.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Robin Walker, who coached Pulisic at Brackley Town when he was a youngster and remains close to the player, explained: "He wouldn't go to Manchester United because of Jose Mourinho. His father couldn't stand Mourinho because he didn't promote young players.
"It was at that point I asked, 'What about London? That's where it's at.' I'm a Chelsea fan, I grew up in London supporting them. When I was in Dortmund last year, I told him that he had to come."
And the American has made decent strides at Stamford Bridge, notching an assist in his first official start against Liverpool in the Super Cup, and impressing new boss Frank Lampard in the process.
Speaking last week, Lampard declared: “I am really happy with him. There is lots, lots more to come. Again, [he’s showing] all the good signs for what he can be for the club.
"The expectancy is right, he is a big signing for us but you have to remember his age."
While Lampard was clearly attempting to temper expectations, one man who has done nothing of the sort is former Chelsea player Tony Cascarino, who, speaking to the Times, managed to name-drop both Arjen Robben and Eden Hazard in a conversation about the winger.
Twelve new entries out of fifteen in the European Player Power Rankings! 勞 https://t.co/iViCBymCdZ
— 90min (@90min_Football) August 21, 2019
He said: “Christian Pulisic looks like he will be a very dangerous player for Chelsea
“Pulisic reminds me of Arjen Robben, you cannot stop him one-on-one because you don’t know which way he’s going to go and his pace is devastating.
“He will be a massive asset for Frank Lampard this season.”
Source : 90min