Fabrizio Romano shares the real reason why Man United did not sign Hugo Ekitike before Liverpool agreed deal 

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Hugo Ekitike was a target for both Manchester United and Liverpool this summer.

The French striker has made a tremendous name for himself at Eintracht Frankfurt over the last year. He has attracted interest from several big clubs, and has been a hot topic of conversation all summer.

Manchester United were keen to sign Ekitike and even spoke to his camp over a potential deal earlier in the window.

However, the striker is now on his way to Anfield to sign for Liverpool.

Why Manchester United did not sign Hugo Ekitike after Liverpool entered the race

Manchester United really need a new striker this summer.

The Red Devils already have Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, but neither player showed any signs of becoming a prolific goalscorer last season.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have joined the club, and although both of them can play up top, they are better off starting behind an out-and-out centre-forward.

That is why Manchester United showed interest in Ekitike, and they would’ve loved to sign the talented young striker this summer.

However, they could not get a deal done for one reason, says Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist said in a video on his YouTube channel: “On Manchester United guys, I wanted to add something.

“I told you already, you know that last week when they signed Mbeumo, I came here on the channel and I told you: ‘get ready Man United fans because United will sign an important striker’ and I confirm that.

“They had the chance to enter for Ekitike, but that was not possible because the player only wanted to go to Liverpool.”

Romano confirmed in the video that United will continue to look for a new striker, and the aim is to bring one in. But it will not be Ekitike.

Manchester United missed a trick with Hugo Ekitike after what he once said

As hard as it is for fans to accept, it has to be said that Manchester United are not who they were over a decade ago.

The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League table last season, and they will not play in any European competition next term.

That makes it difficult for them to compete with clubs who will play in the Champions League, but you can’t help but think that United could’ve signed Hugo Ekitike if they had acted fast.

That is because Ekitike once publicly claimed that he was a Manchester United fan. The Red Devils could’ve used that to their advantage if they had gone all out for his signature.

Sadly for them, they will now have to watch the former PSG man play for their fiercest rivals, Liverpool.