ROMELU LUKS UP FOR THE CUP TO ME
United hitman Cole backs Lukaku to star in the final... whether he is fully fit or not
ROMELU LUKAKU has been backed to give his all for Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup Final – even if he is not fully fit.
The Belgium forward is having intensive treatment at the Reds’ Carrington training complex on the ankle injury he suffered in last month’s win over Arsenal.
Boss Jose Mourinho fears United’s top scorer may only be fit enough for a place on the bench against his former club Chelsea.
But United strike-legend Andy Cole hopes Lukaku can figure and says he has already proved he has the character to battle through adversity by playing in the recent derby win over rivals Manchester City when he was ill.
Lukaku, 25, says he came to United to win trophies and Cole believes that ambition will drive him on as he bids to lift his first one on Saturday – despite not being in peak condition.
“It’s not nice when you’ve got that little bit of rhythm and pick up an injury,” said the United Treble winner, who scored 121 goals for the club in 275 games.
“You know you’ve got a massive game coming up and are a bit touch and go or whatever.
“So it may be difficult for him but, hopefully, he’ll be passed fit and do the best he can. It’s not every year you’re going to get to the FA Cup Final. There are no doubts that, if he’s even 90, 80 or 70 per cent fit, he’ll give it a go.”
Lukaku has been criticised during his debut campaign with United, despite netting 27 times, including five in his five FA Cup appearances. Cole sympathises with the ex-Everton star as he also received stick during the early part of his Old Trafford career for not scoring enough goals.
And the 46-year-old added that the £75million hitman’s goals return is excellent, because his team-mates do not create loads of chances for him.
Cole said: “I have watched him all season and he’s been fantastic.
“To get the goals he’s got, in a team that doesn’t create loads of chances for him, he’s done great.”