Giggs warns new boy Lukaku to expect scrutiny at United
Ryan Giggs has warned Romelu Lukaku he will have to deal with a whole new level of scrutiny at Manchester United.
The Belgium striker joined United from Everton for £75million last week, snubbing champions Chelsea to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
But Lukaku has already come under the microscope after not scoring on his debut, the 5-2 friendly win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday.
Nevertheless, former United favourite Giggs feels the 24-year-old will score goals for his new side - although he feels the rest of the squad need to help lift the pressure off the new boy’s shoulders.
“I don’t think it should be just Lukaku, the goals need to come from all over the pitch,” Giggs said.
“Juan Mata usually gets to double figures and it’s up to the likes of Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to get into double figures, because Lukaku will definitely score goals.
“Last year it was left to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but it needs a team effort to get more goals.
“Lukaku has been in the Premier League for last few years and regularly scored 20-plus, so I can see him scoring goals.
“But he’s going to witness little things, like we’ve seen already - like not scoring on his debut.
“He’s going to be scrutinised like he’s never been scrutinised before - but if he comes through that, I don’t see why he won’t score a lot of goals for United.
“You don’t get as much space at United, teams defend in numbers, especially at Old Trafford. But you are in a team that is constantly attacking so he’ll get more chances than he did at West Brom and Everton.
“But he has to handle the whole thing of being centreforward at Manchester United, the one who makes the difference.”
Giggs feels Jose Mourinho’s side are in a strong position to challenge for the Premier League title this season.
“I think it’s about whoever handles the Champions League, and playing tough games at the weekend the best,” he said. “You can’t dismiss Chelsea, but City and United look strong too.”