Jose Mourinho urged Manchester United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward not to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
There was the possibility of a sensational return to Old Trafford for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner but Mourinho didn't think the deal made financial sense.
He told Woodward not to splash out a £90million fee and wages of £500,000-per-week, according to the Mirror.
Ronaldo ended up leaving Real Madrid to join Juventus and will face United in the Champions League after the Italian champions and Mourinho's side were both drawn in Group H.
On facing Ronaldo in Europe, Mourinho said: 'Juventus were always a big candidate but they have transformed themselves into the biggest candidate because they don't hide that the investment they have made has been made to win it.
'I think Cristiano will like coming back as he was happy to come back when he was at Real Madrid.
'But he comes back to do a job for them, like he did for Real Madrid. He is still a top player – unless he fails to score this weekend and you tell me he is not a good player anymore!'
Part of the reason Mourinho wanted to avoid a huge outlay on Ronaldo was to use those funds to strengthen the defence.
United targeted Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld and even Diego Godin but failed to bring in any reinforcements.
The Portuguese is understood to be furious that club bosses refused to invest more than a total of £75m on Fred, Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant.
Those defensive woes have been emphasised by United's poor start to the campaign, conceding three goals in each of their successive defeats by Brighton and then Tottenham.
The pressure has now ratcheted up a notch on Mourinho and another loss against Burnley could spell the end of his tenure at United.
V∆7
70
I still believe in you Mourinho, I'm sure we can get up and seal 3 points tonight
Jattfanmessida
65
We are ready and United tho..Where is Pogba??Before match Mourinho
olaorebikan
61
It's not as if Jose doesn't have any defense at all, is just that they are not at thier peak. They might need some words of encouragement to get thier fit again in which I believe Jose can still do to get the best out of them...
olaorebikan
55
Bringing Ronaldo is not the solution, I think Jose should be given more time to manage what he has at the same time reduce the pressure on him because of two defeats. It's only time that will tell, is gonna turn things around for good...
yuscdlrsy
49
defeat by Burnley will not Change my mind about u mourinho. u are still the special one. u won two titles at Chelsea when severally managers could not win any. u left and came back and at won a league title when these managers had still won nothing but yet lunatic writers still question Ur competence.
hueloprty
36
Manchester United has a brilliant set of players but lacks the encouragement and motivation to attain their peak. See martial who was a hundred times hotter and skillful than Mbape at Monaco, now he has been reduced to a fringe player....... Mourinho needs to stop his arrogance and do the needful!