Lukaku confident he will be the man to replace Zlatan
United’s £75m striker pledges to work harder Sees no issues working with Mourinho again
Romelu Lukaku is confident he will have no problem replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Manchester United’s main striker, but acknowledges he will have to work far harder than he did at Everton.
Despite a stunning scoring record at Goodison Park, there have been questions about the Belgium international’s work rate and it is something he has addressed after completing a medical ahead of a £75million move that is expected to be confirmed today.
Lukaku has already attracted the wrong sort of headlines for a United player when he was arrested in Los Angeles over the weekend, after police were called to a party at the mansion he had rented while on holiday in the city following complaints about the noise.
But it will be how he plays for his new club that will shape perceptions and Lukaku, who rejected the chance to return to Chelsea, is determined to prove he is worth the money that has been spent.
“Who would say no to the biggest club in the world,” said Lukaku. “This is an opportunity that I’ve wanted since I was a child. When Manchester United came calling, I didn’t have to think twice. So, I’m really delighted to hopefully be part of their history.
“They have the best stadium in England. The best fans. This is the perfect opportunity. I always said I wanted to play for a team that’s challenging for every trophy that there is.
“I think United at the minute want to be the dominant team, dominant force. If you look at their history, it says enough. To become part of a club like them is something that I really wanted. Now it’s time to work harder than I ever did before. I’m willing to do it.’’ Lukaku does not lack confidence, but it is still a daunting challenge to fill the shoes of Ibrahimovic, whose personality, and performances, captured hearts at Old Trafford
“Zlatan did a wonderful job for the club,” Lukaku told ESPN FC. “He was the main guy at Manchester United, and a guy I really look up to and who I learn from a lot because we share the same agent.
“But I’m Romelu Lukaku – I’m not Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I will fill up the striker position in my way, but I know I have to work really hard and deliver more than I’ve done before.”
Lukaku also brushed off questions about whether he can play for Jose Mourinho, given he failed to break into the first team when he was Chelsea’s manager.
“You know, we were together under different circumstances,” he explained. “The first time I met him, I was still a young kid, and I was eager to play. And he understood my decision why I left at the time.
“Now I’m 24. I’m a grown man. He sees the maturity that has grown throughout the years, so I’m really thankful for the opportunity he gave me again.
“It’s the perfect opportunity for me. I’m 24. I have never won a major trophy, but I’m eager to win something and to be part of a team that wins trophies, and I think he’s the right guy to help me in that.”