Romelu Lukaku insists the Manchester United players are confident of a good result against Juventus, despite many of the naysayers forecasting plenty of gloom about Old Trafford.
United go into the crucial Champions League tie – and a reunion with their former favourite Cristiano Ronaldo – in far ruder health after their comeback win over Newcastle and a rousing second-half display in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
When asked if United were confident going into the game and what they would do to avoid another slow start, Lukaku said: “In the first halves we started slowly,” the striker said, reflecting on the 3-2 win against Newcastle and 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
“No initiative on the ball, no movement. In the second halves, everything that we said we wanted to do in the first half we did.
“That’s why we came back and got great results. Now the key is to start games like we do in the second half.
“The mood is really positive. Obviously, we’re disappointed with how the game ended against Chelsea.It’s going to take time to be where we want to be but the last two games have shown that we can play, we can press forward and we have played to make a difference. The work that we’re doing behind the scenes has to be delivered into wins.”
Juventus are sure to make a positive result tough on Tuesday, when United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to frustrate his former club.
“You just look at the way he plays, the way he performs,” Lukaku, who explained why he’s struggling for goals right now, added.“The way he prepares himself for the biggest games. He’s a guy who has been consistent for the last 10 years. He’s an example for all the young players coming up.”
Romelu Lukaku also suggested that things are yet to click for him at Manchester United. The 25-year-old, a £75million arrival from Everton last summer, made the admission ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Juventus.
Lukaku has scored four in 12 games this season, compared to 11 in 12 last term. Should he fail to hit the net against the Italians it will be his longest barren run for the club.
When asked why he finds it easier to score for his national team, Lukaku said: ”I don’t know. With Belgium I’ve been playing for 10 years, since I was 16. Players know me much more.”