Romelu Lukaku has said he has a "perfect relationship" with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho despite confusion over his omission from the United team that started the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.
Mourinho claimed in the aftermath of the 1-0 loss that Lukaku, who was named on the bench, had said he was not ready to start after missing the season's last three Premier League games with an ankle injury.
The striker, speaking at a news conference in Brussels on Wednesday, said he "did not look good in training" in the run-up to the final but it had been Mourinho's decision to name Marcus Rashford in the starting XI.
But despite the differing versions of events, Lukaku said there was no problem between himself and Mourinho, adding that he looked forward to challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title next season.
"I didn't look good in training at all. So it was a difficult situation," he said. "Obviously, me and the manager had a conversation and he's the one that made decision.
"But at the end of the day we had a conversation after the game where we were both disappointed that we lost.
"I said to him I'm looking forward for next season to see the team that he's going to prepare for next year to hopefully challenge Manchester City.
"Everybody is now thinking that me and the manager have a big issue or something, but it's not like that. Me and the manager have a perfect relationship, so we had a little chat after the game and everything is all clear."
Lukaku scored 27 goals in all competitions in his first season at Old Trafford, but United ended up empty-handed after finishing second in the Premier League and as runners-up in the FA Cup.
He said he expected Mourinho to spend big money in the summer to bridge the gap with runaway champions City and added that he aimed to get even better.
"For me it was always down to work," Lukaku said. "I know I have some talent, but for me it's about the work I do every day with my club. I try to improve myself every day and to learn from my past matches.
"I think for myself individually it was a good season but as a team we didn't win anything. That's what hurts. But that's something that we're going to try and change next season.
"I'm looking forward to seeing our squad with a few reinforcements next season, and to try and win the league and other trophies too."