Andy Cole believes Romelu Lukaku’s first season at Manchester United has been a successful one.
The Belgian has played over 1,000 minutes more than striking rival Marcus Rashford in the Premier League and has scored 27 goals in all competitions despite attracting criticism from some quarters.
Lukaku arrived for £75million from Everton last summer with big expectations and he started like a house on fire before hitting a spell of just one goal in 12 games before Christmas.
Cole though insists he has been impressed by Lukaku’s debut season at Old Trafford, which he will hope to end with an FA Cup final victory over his old club Chelsea this weekend, providing he is fit.
“I think he’s had a fantastic season; it’s not been easy to score in this team,” Cole said of Lukaku, who has claimed nine assists this term.
“I’m not going to sit here and say we’ve been free-flowing, created a lot of chances, because we haven’t.
“I’ve looked at him this season. First year, he’s played all of the games, not had too much rest. For his first season I think he’s done brilliant.”