Man Utd nearly signed Ademola Lookman, now he’s involved in chaotic bust-up with his own manager

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Manchester United were strongly linked with a move for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman within the last 12 months.

Manchester United’s interest in Ademola Lookman stretches back to 2024, when Ineos were looking to bring in attacking reinforcements.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said Lookman was set to leave in the summer, and United were at the very front of the queue.

United made contact with Lookman over a potential deal, but nothing came to fruition despite the 28-year-old forward appearing to be a good fit for Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Lookman was an ideal Marcus Rashford replacement, but Ineos instead opted to bring in Premier League experience in the shape of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Ademola Lookman argues with Atalanta manager

Last season, Lookman was slammed by his manager Gian Piero Gasperini after missing a penalty in the Champions League.

Lookman responded to Gasperini with a strongly-worded public statement. There was no need to mend their relationship as Gasperini left the club last summer.

Ivan Juric replaced Gasperini as Atalanta manager, but it seems Ademola Lookman also has a frosty relationship with his new boss.

Atalanta beat Marseille 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, and Lookman was replaced in the 75th minute. As he left the pitch, he was pictured having a heated argument with his own manager.

Lookman was confronted by the head coach as he headed to the bench, resulting in club staff having to step in and separate the player from his boss.

Man United avoided Ademola Lookman drama

Ineos were focused on overhauling United’s attacking department this summer, and there is no doubt that Lookman is a player who was considered by the recruitment team.

Last season, Lookman scored 20 goals in all competitions for Atalanta. He also has Premier League experience having played for Everton, Leicester City and Fulham throughout his career.

But Lookman was set to cost around £60m, and for the same price, Ineos went out and signed Mbeumo and Cunha.

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Amorim is focused on signing good characters at United, and Lookman has now been tangled in two separate clashes with his own manager.

He has only scored one goal in nine appearances this season, so it seems United made the right decision this summer.