Justin Kluivert made his Serie A debut for Roma at the weekend (Picture: Getty)

Dutch icon Patrick Kluivert has explained why his son, Justin Kluivert, did not end up at Manchester United this summer

While United have been monitoring Kluivert for some time, with Jose Mourinho making no secret of his interest, the 19-year-old winger decided to complete a move from Ajax to Roma ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Mourinho even tracked Kluivert down for a chat after United’s Europa League triumph last May but the Portuguese will have to wait until he can work with the highly-rated youngster.

Kluivert Snr revealed that the teenager turned down United’s advances as Roma were a better fit for his son at this stage of his career.




Asked about his son’s decision to join Roma, Kluivert told Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘He must travel miles to get to where I did, but he’s shown talent, plus he has the character and time to have a great career.

Jose Mourinho and Justin Kluivert spoke at length after the Europa League final (Picture: Getty)

‘I think United would have been too big a jump. Roma are an important club but the pressures are less.

‘Roma don’t have to win at any cost and it is a club that is used to good football. It is the ideal place for Justin right now.’

Justin Kluivert has been heavily linked with Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Kluivert Snr admitted that he would have preferred for his son to remain at Ajax for another year.

‘I want to see him win with Roma and I want to see him happy,’ the former Barcelona and Newcastle striker said.

‘I’m very satisfied with what he’s doing. He doesn’t talk much, but he’s someone who knows how to listen and is motivated. I wanted him to stay at Ajax for another year, but he made his choice.

‘Then, who doesn’t dream of Barcelona? But Italian football is catching up and Justin can take advantage of it.’

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