Lukaku silences critics as Red Devils march on
MANCHESTER United striker Romelu Lukaku shrugged off criticism of his scoring record against the biggest teams after an outstanding performance yesterday sent his former club Chelsea home with a 2-1 Premier League defeat from Old Trafford.
The Belgian star’s goal to cancel out Willian’s opener for the visitors was the first time Lukaku had scored in seven games against top six sides this season.
United’s man-ofthe-match also made the winning goal for substitute Jesse Lingard with a perfect cross.
“It’s a good day for me and we won so that’s the most important thing,” he said.
“To get the goal before half time was really important for us. We showed our qualities and our desire in the second half.”
The win moved second-placed United to 59 points with 10 games left, six clear of Chelsea, who have slipped to fifth in the battle for the top four and Champions League qualification.
“It was a good, intense game to play in, with a bit of skill here and there. I think the neutral fan would have enjoyed it today,” Lukaku, who now has 13 league goals this season, said.
“At the end of the day I just want to work hard for the team, and if I improve I’m really satisfied.”
There was widespread praise for 21-year-old United midfielder Scott McTominay, who did not suffer in comparison with the club’s record signing Paul Pogba.
“I’m fearless, I just want to get on the pitch as much as I can now,” McTominay, who is qualified to play for either England or Scotland, said.
“They have brilliant players all over the pitch, but I think everyone of us put in a massive shift today.
“I’m really enjoying my football at the moment. It’s great to be playing in the Premier League and the Champions League regularly, but at the end of the day it’s a really good three points for the team.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane headed a late winner to give Tottenham Hotspur a deserved 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace that lifted them into fourth place in the Premier League yesterday.
Kane headed home from Christian Eriksen’s corner in the 88th minute to make up for two glaring misses earlier in the match. – Reuters