Lukaku’s absence shows new way forward for Reds
WHEN Jose Mourinho said Romelu Lukaku could be in contention to face City in the derby the reaction from the fans on social media was pretty unanimous.
They’d much rather see the Belgian on the bench than anywhere near the starting XI, and while that’s a pretty damning assessment of the 25-year-old, it’s easy to understand the rationale behind the thinking.
On current form, United look better without Lukaku. Not just upfront, but in midfield too. There’s a better connection between the midfielders and the forward line with Paul Pogba able to push forward more regularly.
In the last three games when Lukaku hasn’t started, United have looked far more fluid in attack and they’ve looked far more dangerous on the break with the pace of Jose Mourinho’s alternatives.
Marcus Rashford was given the nod ahead of Lukaku for the win against Everton but it has been the decision to play Alexis Sanchez through the middle which has looked to be the most fruitful.
The Chilean has struggled for form since arriving from Arsenal in January but he was solid against Bournemouth and then his performance against Juventus was arguably one of his best in a United shirt.
Lukaku’s absence allows Sanchez more freedom in the box and the ability to get in behind defenders rather than trying to cut in from the outside and create chances for his team-mates.
His movement off the ball caused Juventus’ defenders big problems too and he tried to create chances in a way that hasn’t been seen from Lukaku this season.
Sanchez impressed in that false 9 role for Arsenal many times and that could be the answer to him properly finding his feet at Old Trafford.
The Chilean’s also got an added incentive to perform well, should Mourinho continue to start him through the middle as he did against Juventus.
And that’s the reason City wanted him. However Mourinho may not have the option. The Evening Standard claims he could be on his way as soon as January.
According to the paper the 29-year-old is unhappy at his lack of playing time and is prepared to walk away from Old Trafford.
Reports from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito claim Sanchez’s agent Fernando Felicevich is already in talks with Real Madrid over a possible switch while bookies have slashed odds on a return to Arsenal.