Lukaku does not do enough in big games

IF there is one thing guaranteed today, it is that Romelu Lukaku will score for Manchester United against West Bromwich Albion.

The Belgian striker has a brilliant record of 30 goals in 38 games against sides outside the traditional top six.

Yet he has not scored against Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham for United so far this season. What would concern me is that his all-round contribution has been poor in those games.

His hold-up play and influence on the game have been nowhere near what you would expect from a Manchester United centre forward. Against Arsenal and Manchester City recently, Lukaku (right) was anonymous.

If he had contributed more against Arsenal, the winning margin would have been even bigger, but he was too easy to mark and control. Arsenal didn’t even have to outmuscle him, just read the passes and step in front of him to win the ball.

It was difficult for him in the derby last weekend because the ball was being lumped over his head, but he didn’t do enough to help keep the ball. Jose Mourinho says he is happy with Lukaku’s work-rate and contribution. But I suspect the United boss is just protecting the striker’s confidence. He knows he has not done enough in big matches.