Manchester United once again conquered a win in the 2017/18 Premier League season. Despite a slow start, United closed the game out in the final minutes and walked away with a 4-0 win away at Swansea. It was an impressive result that should maintain the team at the top of the standings for, at least, another week. Eric Bailly, Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial scored for The Red Devils.
This time, we will stop in Lukaku. The Belgian striker was the biggest signing for the club after joining for a £76.23 million fee from Everton. And even though United have played three competitive games this season, he is already worth the risk and the investment.
Lukaku debuted for United in the 2017 European Super Cup and scored the team’s lone goal in the 1-2 defeat against Real Madrid. He bagged a brace in the EPL debut against West Ham United, and contributed with another goal this Saturday at Swansea. Making a quick count, that gives him four goals in only three matches. What more can you expect from your starting striker? It does not get any better than this, honestly.
Sure, the transfer fee was massive. And we have to see if Lukaku can hold this high standard of performance during an entire campaign. But if we use his recent campaigns as reference, then he should be able to do so. Let’s not forget he scored 25 goals last season, and has topped the 20-goal mark across all competitions in each of his last three campaigns with Everton. Playing for United is entirely different, but so far he has been insanely good. For what is worth, Lukaku is 2/5 to score 20 or more goals in the EPL this season. And we can certainly confirm he started on the right track to go over that mark.
Yes, he is not a player who works hard on defence. And honestly he tends to get lost with ease. In fact, this Saturday against Swansea he was a non-factor during the second half until he scored in the 80th minute. But he does not have to contribute all over the field. He is not a creator, he is a finisher. And if we judge him by his goals, then the final outcome has been nothing but positive so far.
Let’s see if he can maintain this during the entire season. And he will need to have a big impact in the UEFA Champions League as well because United will try to go as far as they can in every single competition they will take in.
But so far, he has been even better than expected. And Manchester United can believe he will continue at this level. He is not the most technical player, but has enough quality to replace what Zlatan Ibrahimovic last season. And that’s all that matters.
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