NOTHING TO PROVE
Lukaku claims his goal against Chelsea means no one can call him a flat-track bully any more
ROMELU LUKAKU claims his goal against Chelsea on Sunday has answered critics who labelled him a flat-track bully.
The big Belgian has netted 22 goals for Manchester United this season but his strike on Sunday was his first in a red shirt against a top-six rival.
The £75million former Everton striker is irritated by the criticism and feels he deserves respect because of his haul of 126 goals in England.
“Year in and year out people expect 20 goals from me,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for 10 years straight so I think I’ve proved myself.
“You expect a bit more respect but it’s the situation we’re in. I don’t listen to it. I just want to improve and show the people what I can do on the pitch.”
This is Lukaku’s sixth season in the Premier League and he claims that, because he broke through with West Brom at such a young age, his critics forget he is just 24.
“I started playing when I was 16,” he pointed out
“I think I’ve got a nice record. I’ve scored a lot this season and I just want to keep going.
“I’m only 24 and I think I have a lot of years ahead of me before my prime.”
Lukaku said United’s win over Chelsea justified his decision to move to Old Trafford rather than return to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
“When I make a choice it’s with my head and my heart,” he said. “I made the right choice.
“I’m with a manager and players who push me every day. The challenge is there to win and it’s something I wanted. I’m playing for the biggest club in the world and now I want to win some trophies.”
After hauling United level against the Blues, Lukaku laid on Jesse Lingard’s winner to crown an immense display, and team-mate Chris Smalling (above) led the plaudits for his performance.
Smalling said the big striker never stopped working for the team and relieved the pressure in stoppage time by leading an attack.
“We were looking at the clock but when you’ve got Rom charging through and knocking balls past players and winning things, it’s great,” said the England centre-half.
“I think he had the bit between his teeth against Chelsea.
“He wanted to get after them and I think that display is just going to breed more confidence in him. “He’s on a run of goals, so long may that continue because we’ve got some big games to come.”