Is Romelu Lukaku losing the Manchester United fans?
By Jake Knox
“Romelu Lukaku has made two assists for Man City today” was one of the standout comments made by Manchester United fans after the derby defeat by Manchester City.
It was only a matter on months ago that Manchester United fans we over the moon as Lukaku completed his £75 million move from Everton.
Everyone in the game was expecting the impressive Belgian striker to sign for title rivals Chelsea. However, United seemed to pull off a great bit of business in convincing Lukuku to choose Old Trafford over the club which let him go in 2014.
With 85 goals in 176 games since signing for West Brom on loan from Chelsea in 2012, Manchester United fans were excited to welcome the powerful striker to Old Trafford.
Lukaku didn’t let the fans down introducing himself with 11 goals in his first 10 competitive games. In fact United fans were signing his name from the roof tops, so much so that it took a request from both player and club to stop signing one song in particular.
Loss of form
However, Lukaku seems to have suffered a loss of both form and confidence. Even to the extent that some players seemed reluctant to pass to the out of form striker in the recent Manchester Derby.
The striker has only managed to find the back on the net twice in the last ten games with goals against CSKA Moscow and Newcastle United.
In this day and age of extortionate transfer fees, £75 million for a 24-year-old proven Premier League goalscorer isn’t unrealistic. However, for this amount of money the fans expect results.
United fans are renowned for the support their give their players. However, even if the player in question isn’t delivering the goals they demand 100% each game.
While it’s unfair to say Lukaku isn’t giving 100%. Something definitely isn’t right.
Is there a reason?
There can be numerous reasons behind a Striker’s loss of form, lack of service, fatigue or even inspired goalkeepers.
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United’s midfield has been lacking a creative force recently with the injury and suspension to Paul Pogba.
While the quality of Lukaku’s chances may have dipped a player of his stature shouldn’t be relying on his team mates putting goals on a plate.
This is where the real problem lies: Lukaku has many positive attributes his first touch is rarely one.
In his early Premier League days with West Brom and then Everton he performed miracles.
However, as defenders are learning to put pressure on him rather than sit off, his first touch has become an issue.
He has never been a player to pick up the ball and dribble like Anthony Martial. This makes his first and second touches even more important when receiving the ball further down the pitch.
Things will get better
There is absolutely no doubt that the Belgian is a great player who has yet to come into his prime.
At 24 he is carrying a lot of weight and expectation from the Old Trafford faithful. This combined with his loss of form will no doubt be playing on his mind.
Jose Mourinhio may well be best taking him out of the limelight for a couple of games, especially with the return to fitness of Zlatan Imbrahimovic.
The most important thing that Lukaku needs however is the continued support from the fans, management and players.
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With continued support, hardwork and dedication there is no doubt that Lukaku can go on to become a United legend.