Lukaku stars in Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku quietened questions over his ability to deliver against the best opposition by scoring and setting up the winner for Jesse Lingard as Manchester United came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday.
Lukaku hadn’t netted in any of his six previous matches against top six Premier League opponents for United leading to suggestions the Belgian was a flat track bully.
However, he has now scored 22 times in all competitions since completing a 75 million GBP move from Everton in July.
“It’s not bad, but you can always improve,” said Lukaku of his return so far.
“I want to do better for the team. At the end of the day, I’m at Manchester United and I want to win trophies. That’s the most important thing.”
United manager Jose Mourinho was effusive of his praise for Lukaku, as his personal performance mirrored the hosts’ overall display after a fast start by Chelsea.
The visitors deservedly lead through Willian’s strike just before the half hour mark as once again United failed to get the best out of Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba in a new four-man diamond midfield.
But Lukaku got his break six minutes before half-time when he slotted home Anthony Martial’s pass.
He nearly had a spectacular second when his overhead kick was turned over by Thibaut Courtois midway through the second period.
But Courtois was helpless when Lukaku showed his abilities outside the box to cross for Lingard to head home.
But for a late change of course from United in the summer, Lukaku and Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata could have been lining up for opposite sides on Sunday.
The Spaniard was high on Mourinho’s wish list before United eventually decided on moving for Lukaku to pave the way for Morata to move to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid for a club record fee.
Morata scored the only goal when the sides last met in November, but is now without a goal in two months as a lack of fitness and form has derailed his first season in England.