Arsenal midfielder Torreira is currently the toast of the Emirates, with the Uruguay international overcoming a tough start to really kick on over in north London.
The player impressed against Manchester United in midweek, just days after he had found the net in the Gunners’ stirring 4-2 victory over Tottenham.
Arsenal fans have been particularly high in praise for Torreira who, with his snarling style of play, has already endeared himself to the club’s supporters.
Yet the Manchester Evening News say Manchester United boss Mourinho was among the player’s admirers before the player’s move to the Premier League.
Around 18 months ago, the club faced off against Sampdoria in a pre-season friendly.
The Red Devils won 2-1 that day, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata both finding the net.
The MEN say that, on that occasion, Mourinho was impressed by Torreira’s bulldozing display.
However, United ended up signing a different player this summer instead.
Arsenal news: Man Utd were beaten to Lucas Torreira back in the summer (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal news: Lucas Torreira has impressed since joining from Sampdoria (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal and Man Utd summer deals
Arsenal
-Matteo Guendouzi
-Bernd Leno
-Sokratis Papastathopoulos
-Lucas Torreira
-Stephan Lichsteiner
Man Utd
-Fred
-Diogo Dalot
-Lee Grant
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The Red Devils chose to sign Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk instead, forking out £52million to secure the services of the Brazil international.
And that looks to be a major error with the midfielder struggling to settle over at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Torreira has revealed Arsenal boss Unai Emery has told him to be more attacking.
“I have the confidence of my team-mates and the coach tells me before every game to try to get forward,” Torreira said.