Season performance review: Romelu Lukaku
By Wyatt Miner
Romelu Lukaku performed well for his first season with Manchester United. The Belgian made a name for himself as one of the best strikers in the league.
Lukaku had the best season of his career in the 2017/18 Premier League season. Prior to the season beginning, Lukaku was a name that most managers desired, but Lukaku chose Manchester United over any other club. Furthermore, the Belgian striker knew that he could make a name for himself while playing under Jose Mourinho.
The striker looked promising in pre-season, finding the net on multiple occasions. Then, Lukaku carried that momentum into the Premier League season. For instance, Manchester United opened the season playing West Ham United. Moreover, Romelu Lukaku found the net for the first time in a United shirt. It only took thirty three minutes for the left-footed striker to find the back of the net. From there, the Belgian kept scoring.
The 2017/18 season saw numerous firsts for Lukaku. For example, he netted his hundredth career goal in a United shirt. According to the Premier League’s official site, he is the 28th player to reach over a hundred goals in the league. At just 24 years old, he accomplished this feat. Also, the Premier League states that he is the youngest player from outside of England to do so.
Romelu Lukaku’s efforts this season proved vital for Manchester United.
In Premier League competition only, the striker made 34 appearances and found the net for a total of sixteen times. In addition to his sixteen goals, Lukaku assisted his team for a total of seven times. While the striker proved useful up front, he also provides support in the form of assists. At times, Manchester United’s play lacked. However, Lukaku provided a way to get points on the board.
Sometimes, it seemed as if Lukaku was the only one that was able to find the net. Thus, Manchester United’s style of play looked to capitalize on Lukaku’s pace, accuracy, and physicality.
For example, in one of the Brighton games this season, the midfield sent a long ball through the defense. Then, Lukaku found the ball on his favored left foot. Lukaku shoved a defender off of him as he ripped a shot into the net.
Most times, Lukaku’s goals looked similar in the sense that he is able to get physical with his opponents. Furthermore, his stature makes it difficult for defenders to deal with him. In the next season, it is possible that the Belgian striker can better his goal tally as he learns Mourinho’s system in the offseason.
Here is a replay of all of Lukaku’s goals for Manchester United so far:
Next: FA Cup final a glimpse into Manchester United's future under Mourinho
Ultimately, Lukaku’s season can be deemed successful. He helped Manchester United to numerous victories, and he will continue to do so in future seasons with United. At times, it appeared that he was the only one that could score. On the other hand, it seemed as if he could not find the net at all. Replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku did a great job helping United to their best finish in years.