The £6million Brazilian whizzkid was linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Benitez said: “There was real competition for his signature because he has played at such a high level with Brazil, and lot of other top clubs were after him.
“All I will say is that one of those other clubs plays in red, and Lucas told me the other wears blue!”
Lucas said: “I know a lot about British football. It’s a different way of playing here because it’s much faster, and for me that is exciting because I believe my game can adapt.”
