OUR FUTURE LUKS GREAT
Carrick backs striker Lukaku to deliver on his £75M price tag
MICHAEL CARRICK has backed Romelu Lukaku to deliver on his £75million transfer fee.
Lukaku’s eventual fee following his switch from Everton could rise to £90m, but midfielder Carrick is certain the forward will score the goals to fire Manchester United back to glory.
Jose Mourinho (below) saw his side score just 55 goals in the Premier League last season, one of their lowest returns, as they finished sixth, trailing champions Chelsea by 24 points.
United have begun their pre-season USA tour ahead of Saturday’s opener against LA Galaxy, with Carrick excited at the goal threat Lukaku can bring.
“I’ve tried to tackle him a few times and got nowhere near him, so at least I won’t have to do that too often,” said Carrick, who has been confirmed as club captain following Wayne Rooney’s move to Everton.
“You’ve seen what he can bring to us. He’s a big guy, he has got a big presence and he scores goals. That’s what we’re going to need from him, that’s what he’ll bring, and I’m sure he’ll have a great time here.
“You don’t want to put everything on his shoulders, but that’s why he’s here – to help at that end of the pitch, to score and create goals.
“Everybody needs to chip in to score and share the load a little bit, to take the pressure off the individuals.
“But of course, he’s going to be the main one we look to for scoring goals and I’m sure he will.”
Carrick signed a one-year contract extension in the summer and the veteran midfielder, who turns 36 this month, is relishing the new campaign.
“My brother texted me last night and said it’s my 20th pre-season,” Carrick told MUTV. “It’s quite a lot.
“Coming out here, the first thing that strikes you is the heat, it’s incredibly hot. It’s a great set-up though. We’re all looking forward to it.”
United have opened talks with Ander Herrera about a new contract, after he attracted interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.