Manchester United fans on social media attacked Romelu Lukaku and accused him of not putting enough effort against Leicester City. The Belgian has only started three games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – twice in the FA Cup and once in the Premier League – amid Marcus Rashford‘s spell of excellent form at No.9.
And the events of Sunday will only further hamper Lukaku’s cause: Rashford scored a wonderful goal, while Lukaku came on and looked leaden-footed, failing to make runs down the channels you’d expect any striker to make.
Supporters were quick to jump on the 25-year-old’s back once again.
MUFC Away Days@mufcaways_Oles at the wheel.. 9/10. Weren’t at our best today but grinded it out. No point bringing lukaku on, he doesn’t move. Give a youngster a chance, atleast he’ll try.
Mark Goldbridge@markgoldbridgeSerious issues with Lukaku. Only been on five minutes and he looked like Gemma Collins sprinting up the stairs. If you can’t come on and put the effort in we should give Greenwood a chance
Jay@RFFHLukaku stood waiting for that ball to come to him is pathetic. He’s gotta be livelier there
Jay@RFFHLukaku stood waiting for that ball to come to him is pathetic. He’s gotta be livelier there
It really did feel like the forward had a piano on his back against Leicester. While Rashford darted around, Lukaku lumbered. The difference in urgency and spirit was profound. But why? Well, firstly, it is not because of any lack of fitness. If Lukaku wasn’t fit enough he would simply not be in the squad. The problems are, unfortunately, completely psychological. That painfully slow movement, the lack of touch, the inherent onerousness in everything he seems to do: this is what having no confidence does to you.
Lukaku can practice as much as he likes in training but nothing fundamental will change until he feels like himself on the pitch again. That will be hard for a player who, from 2014 up until now, could always bank on being first choice. He’s miles away from that at Old Trafford. And it will take one big psychological leap before anything can change.
Meanwhile, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer surprised fans by praising Alexis Sanchez’s performance vs Leicester. The Chilean got his first start in quite some time for the club but failed to make any kind of notable impact. Sanchez was hooked after an hour was gone to reinvigorate a stale United side who were starting to drop their performance levels.
The former Arsenal man has been unable to return to his best form in his career at Old Trafford, only showing glimpses of what he can truly do. This has frustrated some supporters who believe he’s not earning his reportedly high wages despite having enough time to adjust to his new surroundings.
United Xtra@utdxtraOle on Sanchez: “He worked really well defensively. He is coming and improving all the time.” #mufc [BBC]
Solskjaer seemingly refused to criticise Alexis though it’s interesting he chooses to praise the winger’s defensive work and makes no mention of any offensive play. Hopefully the 30 year old can enjoy the same kind of performances his teammates have been enjoying under the Norwegian manager.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba have all been putting in the best shifts of their careers which has seen the Red Devils win all but one of their games during Ole’s tenure. Though the former Molde man didn’t want to throw Sanchez under the bus, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher didn’t mind doing so, comparing him to Fernando Torres’ ill spell at Chelsea.