LUKAKU FIRING AGAIN THANKS TO OLE’S ANALYSIS
FIVE wins out of five for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and three goals in three for Romelu Lukaku under Manchester United’s caretaker manager. The big Belgian is by no means the only player to have responded positively to Solskjaer’s appointment, but Lukaku is benefiting from the former United striker’s insight and what he describes as a ‘total analysis of my game’. After missing Solskjaer’s first two matches in charge while on compassionate leave over Christmas, Lukaku scored off the bench against Bournemouth and Newcastle before marking his first start with a well-taken goal in this FA Cup win over Reading. The £75million striker has been encouraged to face goal more often in a way that suits United’s faster attacking style under Solskjaer, rather than holding the ball up and slowing the game down as a target man. It paid off as Lukaku latched on to an excellent through-ball from Alexis Sanchez to round Reading goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola and score. ‘He understands what type of striker you are and he plays to your strengths,’ said Lukaku. ‘From the first day when I came back in, he did a total analysis of my game — I was really surprised. ‘He’s helped me a lot. He talks to me all the time and I like that. He really wants me to face the goal because he knows that is when I’m at my most dangerous, moving off the shoulder of the defenders. ‘He plays in a way that I like to play and also the rest of the team. We are back to ourselves and it’s good to see the players enjoy and win games.’ Victory No 5 for Solskjaer since replacing Jose Mourinho last month saw him equal Matt Busby’s record when he started as United manager in 1946. Typically, the Norwegian is not getting carried away by his achievement. ‘I don’t care,’ said Solskjaer. ‘Not now. I might sit down in 20 years’ time and look at whatever records I have. But I never look back. Never ever. The players are getting confidence and momentum. Let’s see where it takes us. We’re always good towards the end of the season anyway.’ The Spurs game will pit Solskjaer against Mauricio Pochettino, the favourite to be installed as United manager next summer if their interim boss cannot persuade the Old Trafford hierarchy to give him the job on a permanent basis. Solskjaer said: ‘We don’t go to Dubai and just prepare for Tottenham. We have to prepare for the rest of the season. It’s how we fare against PSG and Liverpool.’ MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-3): Romero 7; Dalot 6, Darmian 7, Jones 6.5, Young 6; McTominay 6, Fred 6.5 (Fellaini 60, 6), Pereira 6; Sanchez 6.5 (Rashford 63, 6), Lukaku 7, Mata 7.5 (Chong 60, 7). Subs not used: Lindelof, Martial, Grant, Garner. Scorers: Mata 22 (pen), Lukaku 45+4. Booked: Chong. Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 8. READING (4-2-3-1): Jaakkola 7; Yiadim 6, Illori 6 (Aluko 46, 7), Moore 6, Richards 6; Kelly 6.5, Rinomhota 6.5; Harriott 7 (Meite 76, 6), Swift 7, McCleary 6 (Barrow 60 6.5); Loader 6. Subs not used: Gunter, O’Shea, Walker, East. Booked: Yiadom. Manager: Jose Gomes 7. Referee: Stuart Attwell 7.