Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed he is willing to adapt to different roles in order to win back his place as a regular starter at the club. The Belgium striker was a guaranteed starter for the Red Devils last season under Jose Mourinho following his £75 million transfer from Everton but now that circumstances have changed under interim boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Belgian is willing to adapt.
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Lukaku used to be one of the first names on Mourinho’s team sheet, operating as a lone front man. But the 25-year-old’s form dwindled this term and he has often operated as a substitute since caretaker manager Solskjaer replaced Mourinho at the helm, with the Norwegian opting for a more expansive attacking approach that has got the best out of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, among others.
But injuries suffered by Martial and Jesse Lingard during last week’s UEFA Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain opened the door to Lukaku, who operated in a front two alongside Rashford as United dispatched Cup holders Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to progress to the FA Cup quarterfinals. The midfield diamond deployed by Solskjaer placed an onus on Rashford and Lukaku to move into wide areas – a task the hulking forward has previously excelled in for Everton and Belgium.
Asked what Solskjaer brings to United after a stunning run of 11 wins from 13 games, Lukaku simply told reporters: “We score more goals. I can play however the manager needs me to if it’s alone or with Marcus behind me or out wide. As long as the manager needs me, I’m ready to play. You just have to be professional and give it our best when your chance comes. That’s my mindset and I’m just taking it a day at a time.”
One United player whose stock is unquestionably on the rise is centre-back Victor Lindelof. The Sweden international struggled in his debut season in the Premier League but is an increasingly assured presence at the heart of the defence and impressed again versus Chelsea. Lukaku went on praise his teammate for his improved performances, insisting the 24-year-old has now fully adapted to the demands of English football. “I think he has adapted really well,” Lukaku said. “Last year was a bit of an introduction year but now he’s really settled in. He’s improving a lot and hopefully, he can keep going.”
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