Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes that his club have got themselves a top striker in Romelu Lukaku, however he adds that the Belgian international still needs to prove himself at the highest level. The 25 year old Lukaku is one of the most lethal strikers in World football, having scored 25 goals in the Premier League last season, finishing second on the top scorers list behind Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
He has also scored 85 goals in the Premier League since 2012, with only Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero boasting more goals than him during the past five years. Odds-makers like www.maxbonusbet.com have predicted Lukaku as one of the favorites to win the scoring title this upcoming season. Lukaku, however, has yet to play UEFA Champions League football. The reason why he opted to leave the Toffees and link up with Mourinho was to achieve his dream of playing in the Champions League. Many of the forward’s detractors criticize him for his spell with Chelsea between 2011 and 2014, during which he made 15 appearances in all competitions, failing to register a goal. He did, however, perform exceptionally for West Brom, who he joined on loan from Chelsea, as well as Everton, who he joined on loan before signing permanently in 2014.
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, United have struggled to win trophies on a regular basis and are no longer the force that they were under the great Ferguson. Mourinho will certainly be hoping that the addition of Lukaku, who cost his club £75 million, will help to inspire the Red Devils to glory. Lukaku is renowned for his pace and power and showcased that in the International Champions Cup on Thursday, by scoring a goal to help guide United to a 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals Manchester City in the United States, which also happened to be the first Manchester derby played outside England.
It currently remains to be seen if Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains with United and Lukaku is likely to start the new season as Mourinho’s first choice forward. The young Marcus Rashford will provide support up front.
On paper, Lukaku has the ability and record to help establish United as a major force within England and Europe, Mourinho, however, highlighted that he still needs to prove himself at the highest level and said, “We got a big player, a player that I can compare with what he was a few years ago, because he worked with me for a few months [at Chelsea] and his development was very good. We have a player who is now a top player. You have to prove it at the highest level, he has to do it for United, in Champions League matches, but he has amazing qualities.”
