Romelu Lukaku “grabbed his chance” by scoring twice to make light work of Manchester United’s injury crisis with a comfortable Premier League victory over Crystal Palace, says manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Red Devils were missing eight first-team players at Selhurst Park, but claimed a club record eighth consecutive win away from home and extended their unbeaten league run under their interim boss to 11 games.
Belgium striker Lukaku netted in each half, curling a well-placed shot into the corner for his first and scooping over goalkeeper Vicente Guaita for his second. United’s Injury list has Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Anthony Martial, Phil Jones, Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia who are all first team candidates.
Looking to respond, Palace winger Jeffrey Schlupp flicked a header wide of the far post, but Joel Ward did manage to convert a diving header from close range with 24 minutes remaining.