LUKAKU CLEAR ON TARGET AFTER MOURINHO TALKS
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku says he is clear on his target at the club following talks with the coach Jose Mourinho. The Belgian has been underperforming for a while, resulting in a loss of his starting shirt at Old Trafford.
Mourinho wanted the player to emerge from his post World Cup slump earlier hence the frustrations when Lukaku was not banging in the goals as expected.
The 25-year old netted 27 times last term as United cruised to second place in the Premier League. He is expected to play a key role if United want to match such achievements this season, which has proven to be the most competitive yet in recent times.
Last season Lukaku finished as the 3rd top scorer, and started off this season as one of favourites to win the title outright. His odds, according to the web, have lengthened in recent weeks, reflecting his lack of goals – though his poor form has been matched by both Mo Salah and Harry Kane, who were the two who finished ahead of him in 2017/18.
After 12 games without a goal, Lukaku scored against Southampton last week and then ended his old Trafford drought with a goal against Fulham this weekend.
Lukaku admits he has to do better from his end and continually seek to improve after talks with Mourinho. He said the external forces had not weighed him down as many prophesized and believed. He believes he is clearer on what Mourinho expects and he hopes to ride on his recent goals to rediscover his form.
Despite Mourinho’s regular criticism of the player, Lukaku insists he would “go through a brick wall for him”, pledging his loyalty to his boss. He added that the style of play for Belgium at the World Cup allowed him build muscle. He promised to lose some muscle due to the demands of the Premier League.
He said after the 2014 World Cup, he did slump a bit, just as now. He says he is in “a decent level again” and hopes to continue to get the goals.
United are chasing a top four finish this term but have been inconsistent. With their rivals giving it their all, it would be something for the Red Devils to clinch a Champions League spot ahead of next season.