Manchester United fans are frustrated with Romelu Lukaku after his poor display against Juventus in the Champions League.
The Belgian striker cut an isolated figure for United at Old Trafford as the club failed to cause any real problems for the Italian champions. Despite starting the first-half on the front foot, Jose Mourinho’s side were evidently second best as Paulo Dybala’s goal gave Juventus a well deserved lead at half-time.
United fans were under no illusion the test against Juventus would be one of the toughest challenges of the season, but the lethargic manner of their opening display left them feeling annoyed.
The under-whelming performance of Lukaku appeared to epitomise the entire display from United, and supporters believe the Belgian forward needs to work harder.
Mourinho: “He (Lukaku) is a fantastic pro who wants to give everything, but I have to agree his moment is not sweet. Not just with the goals he’s not scoring, but in his confidence, movement, touch. He’s not linking the game well with the team.” #mufc [Mirror]
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) October 23, 2018
But the team fans were really upset by the striker’s form and they were not shy to share thier views. Take a look:
Lukaku on the pitch tonighthttps://t.co/6WFrypaPYq
— DSN (@DigvijayNirwan) October 23, 2018
Lukaku’s first touch tho… This man cost £90m 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/cNkA51SSvp
— Craig Gio McKay (@MaccaGio) October 23, 2018
United – who were late arriving for the game again because of traffic – were outclassed throughout and if it weren’t for De Gea the scoreline could have been humiliating.It could have been an occasion for Lukaku to silence his critics and outshine United’s former golden boy but the Belgian struggled against a resilient Juventus side.
Lukaku is seriously the worst professional footballer I've ever seen pic.twitter.com/gZvpgwM6JS
— D A Y T O N A🏔️ (@Reubby101) October 23, 2018
As soon as someone passes to Lukaku, I instantly know that we’ve lost possession.
— Ryan. 🔴 (@Vintage_Utd) October 23, 2018
Someone said Romelu Lukaku plays like he is wearing one of these 😂#MUNJUV pic.twitter.com/hNqoXAZ6QZ
— Andrew Wandola (@andrewandola) October 23, 2018
The Belgium international has just four goals in 11 appearances this season for United.
It’s a different story though for his country having hit ten goals in his last eight matches.
But Mourinho is standing by his main striker, admitting Juve’s defence is tough to break down.
I remember reading tweets that Lukaku stays behind at training to teach Rashford and Martial how to finish. Finish what? Finish their food?
— Mohamed Not ElNneny (@ElNnenyM) October 23, 2018
Knock knock
Who's there ?
Luka
Luka modric?
No… lukaku
Get the f**k out pic.twitter.com/gwxXtou5er
— Rapulu (@iam__rey) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/jperkovic93/status/1054839434607235072
Defender Luke Shaw believes his side showing their opponents too much respect was their own downfall.
But Shaw is taking confidence from the other Group H match result, that saw Valencia draw with Young Boys, to boost United’s chances of progressing as they sit two points above the Spanish side.
“I think first half we gave them too much respect we let them play far too easy, in the second half we tried and for some reason again we performed better in the second half, we pushed on but didn’t create many chances and like I said we gave them too much respect,” he said.