It has emerged that president Stefano Tanzi was quietly confident of landing the Sporting Lisbon starlet before the dazzling winger clinched a big-money move to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese international made a stunning debut against Bolton Wanderers, but was less effective in the drab 1-0 win over Wolves, when Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the teenager's poor performance was due to the fact that he was not wearing proper studs on his boots.
Tanzi, meanwhile, has also vowed not to shed any tears at the departure of Adrian Mutu to moneybags Chelsea.
"It has been a profitable transfer both for us and for the player," he stated.
"(Dominic) Morfeo has big qualities, especially the necessary fantasy to give us important emotions.
"The only regret is with Cristiano Ronaldo. I wanted him, we went very close to getting him, but, unfortunately, Manchester inserted themselves between us and the player at the least timely moment."
Tanzi declared that Adriano will remain at Ennio Tardini despite rumours that he would link up with parent club Internazionale.
"He remains with us," he affirmed. "He was able to be Nerazzurro this summer but not now.
"Adriano will stay with Parma for another year."
