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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

Wow. Just when you thought Romelu Lukaku's transfer saga was finally over, out comes an explosive podcast with some hard-hitting accusations.

The Belgium international was the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer about a possible move away from Old Trafford, and in the end secured a transfer to Serie A giants Inter on deadline day.

But speaking on NBA star Josh Hart's LightHarted with Josh Hart Podcast, Lukaku delivered a stinging criticism of the way the Red Devils handled the process of his departure. The Belgian remarked he didn't feel "protected" by the club when rumours were floating around that he could be set for a summer exit, and decided it was simply "better" for him to leave.

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Whilst the 26-year-old's comments are likely to have cynics suggesting it is simply 'sour grapes', it remains difficult to overlook the potential ramifications of it all. It may just be one man airing his dirty laundry after being shunted away by his former employers. But such is the power of social media and the tight-knit community of footballers, Lukaku has emphatically tainted United with a brush that could leave lasting stains.

Who would want to join a club that appears not to care about their players' welfares? They might be multi-million pound footballers earning a shed-load of money each week, but ultimately they are still human beings. They feel part of a family and want to feel loved – as cliché and cringe-worthy as that sounds. Instead, United took the coward's way by refusing to clear up the situation, hoping the Belgian would just take the hint.

The indoor football skills in the video below have to be seen to be believed...

Whilst the Red Devils may have gotten what they wanted, players around the world are undoubtedly going to be hearing about what Lukaku has to say. Would a 19-year-old Jadon Sancho now genuinely feel his best interests will be protected by those at United when they have clearly failed to do so with another high-profile star?

Transfer targets and agents alike will use Lukaku's podcast as a source of reference when potentially deciding over a move to United. So whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side may feel like they have won the battle, the Belgian's revelations could well see the Red Devils end up losing the war.

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