Does anyone still see potential for Lukaku?

[Neil_Buchanan]

Our style of play does not create enough chances for him right now. We could buy players to suit his strengths and get the best out of him but even that wouldn't be good enough. He is never going to be a top tier striker for a team competing for league titles and champions leagues and if that's what we want to be and we have the opportunity to improve on him then we take it.

 

[Celoti23-81]

Play to his strengths like Martinez does for Belgium and did at everton, he is one hell of a player! Lukaku's biggest problem was Mourinho trying to turn him into a Drogba! Sell Lukaku, who do you replace him with that realistically wants to play for the club. Was Firminio world class before Klopp? No he wasn't! It's not so much about players these days, it's about implementing them into a working tactic, something I think mourinho and now ole struggles with!

 

[VorZakone]

If he's content with being a sub, he'd be a valuable asset to have. Or he goes back to his 16/17 form, only then does he deserve to start.

 

[Djemba-Djemba]

His fitness levels are disgraceful.

 

[Champ]

Not going to defend Lukaku, as that's sacrilege on here for some reason.
But we currently don't have a better striker than Lukaku at the club, and there's really not many better than him that's obtainable right now.
His goalscoring record speaks for itself really.

 

[Ekeke]

Yes, I think he can do a bit better with his holdup play and finish chances better like he did in his first season. But I'm not sure he's the kind of striker Ole will want in his team. Most things seem to suggest Ole wants hard workers, runners and players who will put pressure on the opposition. Thats not the type of player Lukaku is.

He's a finisher with some extras. He's not someone that makes it hard to play against the team.

 

[elmo]

He's basically the improved Belgian Heskey when we're expecting the Belgian Drogba.

 

[hobbers]

Low mobility, the worst fitness level of anyone in the squad and atrocious ball control and hold up play, obviously not the sort of striker Ole wants in his team.

He doesnt have a future at United beyond this summer.

 

[Maticmaker]

Our style of play has never suited Lukaku's capabilities, we rarely play to his strong points.

Lukaku cannot take a ball with his back to goal, but out wide right on the angle he can, he is for me more dangerous coming down the right flank and cutting in than trying to be a target man for hold up play.

However if press reports are true he seems to have made his mind up to 'shake the dust' from United etc. and wants to go abroad, so the point becomes moot!

 

[el3mel]

Not suited for us or the style we will aspire to play. May suit other team.

 

[john moran]

If he's content with being a sub, he'd be a valuable asset to have. Or he goes back to his 16/17 form, only then does he deserve to start.

A sub to who? Rashford? Martial?

Hes the best we have, maybe not great but unless you are bringing in a top striker then letting him go is madness.

 

[DatIrishFella]

Play to his strengths like Martinez does for Belgium and did at everton, he is one hell of a player! Lukaku's biggest problem was Mourinho trying to turn him into a Drogba! Sell Lukaku, who do you replace him with that realistically wants to play for the club. Was Firminio world class before Klopp? No he wasn't! It's not so much about players these days, it's about implementing them into a working tactic, something I think mourinho and now ole struggles with!

With Belgium he has the likes of de Bruyne, Hazard, Mertens etc supporting him. Big difference.

 

[HTG]

I do. Think he’ll peak in about two to three years. Forwards relying on their physicality usually take a little longer to peak. At least in my opinion.

 

[Smores]

I'd give him next season to see if he can adapt to Ole's style (whatever that is) and demonstrate his fitness.

I do find it wierd that he falls into the category of hated as he's clearly very talented even if he does have his limitations.

 

[WolfInSharp'sClothing]

He is probably approaching his peak, but could still improve a little I suppose.

As far as forwards go, he's relatively small so I'd maybe try him as a flanker and see if this could improve his game. If that doesn't work, he's prop material.

 

[clarkydaz]

I do. Think he’ll peak in about two to three years. Forwards relying on their physicality usually take a little longer to peak. At least in my opinion.

We might not be able to move in 2 years with his frame

 

[2cents]

I don’t think he’s gonna get any better, if that’s what the question is asking? He could be useful in certain circumstances, but he has too many faults to carry for a top 4 side - doesn’t score against rivals, goes on long goalless streaks, and needs chances served on a plate. Combined with his pretty abysmal general footballing ability and fitness issues, it’s not good enough.

 

[Dominant]

In my opinion his current ability is around Andy Cole's level when he played for us. Good striker but not enough to be a focal point in a team with title aspirations. If he's part of a 3-4 man rotation like what we had when we got Yorke, Cole, Sheringham, & Ole, I can see it working. Right now it's him and Rashford and that's nowhere near good enough. Since we play with one striker now, that player needs to be a top player (think prime RVP, Zlatan, etc)

I'd let him go... but only if we have a replacement(s) that's equally as good at a lower wage and more suitable to our style... or a top player (probably not one out there that is attainable)

He’s nowhere near Cole’s ability. Lukaku’s technique is way below Cole’s. Cole can scores the kind of goals that Lukaku can only dream of.. I suggest you try googling some goals scored by cole to refresh your memory.

 

[Van Piorsing]

So we're waiting years for a 26 year old player who cost 70m to reach his potential ? He seriously better hurry up before hitting his 30s.

Team of 26 year old youngsters.

 

[SilentWitness]

I genuinely believe before his United move he had the opportunity to become one of the all time PL goalscorers. He was on track in his development to do that and despite a shaky first season at United he still scored 16 league goals which meant he was still in the running to do so. Aye, he has clear limitations in his game but his pace/strength combination during his latter Everton years was unmatched by any other striker in the league - Aguero/Kane have elements of each but not both - they are much better finishers/team players in respect to Lukaku. What has fecked him is that stupid decision to bulk up. That's not only ruined him this season but it's completely sidetracked his career meaning that he has to take two steps back to go forward again.

He won't become the elite player that he could have been I don't think but he still has the ability to be a very good striker for someone.

 

[Hedgehog72]

Its absurd that we have let a very good striker who was best at scoring with pace through balls over the top or into the channels, turn into an slow and unfit target man, and not a very good one at that. Its a huge waste of his talent and another example of our coaching in the last few years turning good players into average ones (only for them to turn good again once they leave). I cant imagine any other top club doing the same. He has to go, he isn't the player we bought and likely wont ever be at our club.

 

[Celoti23-81]

With Belgium he has the likes of de Bruyne, Hazard, Mertens etc supporting him. Big difference.

What about Everton then? We have Rashford and Pogba

 

[Suedesi]

He's a good player, unfortunately he is not mobile or clinical enough and his first touch is atrocious. Will be a disappointment in Italy as well. I would take Icardi off Inter.

 

[Suedesi]

What about Everton then? We have Rashford and Pogba

What's his record against big teams at Everton? Didn't he fill his boots against the likes of WBA, Stoke, Norwich and went missing time and time again vs the Big 6?

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

Frankly he's always been average which is why so many never wanted him in the first place. He was poor last season (stunned to see people saying he was good) and he's been shocking this season from start to finish. I think it's hard to argue that he's the worst striker to ever play for the club considering the hype and the money spent. If Inter are willing to give us even half our money back then we simply have to take it because the only potential he's going to offer is dragging us further down the mire.

 

[Moriarty]

What's his record against big teams at Everton? Didn't he fill his boots against the likes of WBA, Stoke, Norwich and went missing time and time again vs the Big 6?

Scored a hat-trick for Albion against us once.

 

[Jeffthered]

He is not good enough to be the type of forward we need. He needs to relax, and play with a poise, focus and class which befits the shirt. That is not just a preferance, but a technical requirement to be the main man at a club like United. You need to have that confidence of the club, and Lukaku has not grown into that. In fact, he has gone the other way. Anyone who plays 100 games as No 9 for United will score his fair share of goals. As Rio stated, you have to do more than that though... Cole had incredible work-rate, commitment and speed. Van Nistelrooy was not interested in much outside the box, but was almost the perfect goal-scorer and cared for little else. Mark Hughes was an elegant, superb technician, and very, very tough guy to play against, natural match-winner who played against whoever, wherever with class. Van Persie was a technically gifted player, hungry for success, who didn't miss in front of goal. Rooney was simply brilliant, all round. Zlatan absorbed all that was around him majestically and scored for fun. Ronaldo is simply Ronaldo.

So, all quite different, all played No 9 at one stage or another and all wore that shirt/position with ease. The fans, their team-mates, the manager, the whole club, trusted them without hesitation.

Lukaku simply does not provide this. Add to this him putting on much weight (and I still do not see why....), and the nonsense about after-shave etc.. doesn't help him.

Apparently Lukaku is a very clever (educated) guy, and is fascinating person to talk to... but his game-brain seems a little 'slow', and this is a problem. Compare Rooney, always as bright as a button on the park.

Lukaku will score goals anywhere he goes. But he hasn't done enough to really define himself as the No 9 for United.

A good Lukaku could be Man United captain. Lead the team, keep Pogba focused and smash the hell out of opposing defenders. But he simply has not seemed to be able to show this side of himself. A shame, but if we can get top money, let's take it, and get someone hungry to be a top forward at a big club.

 

[Andycoleno9]

We are using him wrong. He is not roaming attacker, he is not target man, he is not right winger. He is no9 who needs to be around the box or if you play on counters, he needs through balls in space.
I would not sell him( except if our plan is to buy some really world class striker)

 

[NotoriousISSY]

Under a strict regime, with actual wingers and a proper number 10 he would be useful to many teams.

We are far away from that and it's far easier to replace Lukaku than it is to build the team around him.

The most fair comment I can make to the guy is he led the line to our highest league finish since Fergie retired. No not the best football, but the best season of league results.

 

[SiRed]

The only player i ever saw who actually shrinks when he jumps to head the ball, to the point where is is taller just standing still.
Has a very good cross from the right wing mind. Apart from that, absolutely useless. I dont even get the 'good finisher' argument as we have all seen him miss numerous sitters.

 

[Red00012]

Not going to defend Lukaku, as that's sacrilege on here for some reason.
But we currently don't have a better striker than Lukaku at the club, and there's really not many better than him that's obtainable right now.
His goalscoring record speaks for itself really.

Which is why Ole shouldn’t be allowing him to leave unless we have him replaced. If we go into the season with Rashford as our number 1 striker, it’s going to be a challenge for top 6 instead of a top 3/4

 

[Thiagoal]

If a team plays with two wingers that have great final balls then Lukaku will come alive and score plenty!

Inter seem the perfect fit having Peresic providing the ammunition! If Ed had signed him last summer Lukaku would have double the number of goals imo

 

[2 man midfield]

He’s streaky - like a Poundland Wayne Rooney. He’ll go from insane form one minute and score 12 in 12, to a 8 game drought and being unable to control a football. It’s just highlighted more now because we don’t have wide players chipping in with goals - we’re relying on him to be the main man.

I still don’t think he’s good enough to be first choice, he’s a good option off the bench but I would certainly look at replacing him.

 

[Aloysius's Back 3]

If we get 60+ mil for this guy - it's too much of a good deal to let go.

 

[AgentP]

He can still do a job for us next year if he can get his fitness up. I don't think we'll be able to sign any high quality striker this window so I'd be fine with giving him another chance.

 

[Celoti23-81]

What's his record against big teams at Everton? Didn't he fill his boots against the likes of WBA, Stoke, Norwich and went missing time and time again vs the Big 6?

Maybe, but as I said, mourinho got him playing like a poor man's Drogba with his back to goal, and Ole did the same end of the season. Both styles were negative and defensive for him to be the lone striker, a unfit one at that!
If a fit and confident lukaku played for the current Liverpool side, you would see his true potential.

 

[fastwalker]

45 goals in 79 for Belgium
187 in 413 for club goals, of which 42 (plus 13 assists) in 96 in 2 years at United and 51 in 85 in his last two years at Everton (87 plus 29 assists in 166 for Everton total).

He has only recently turned 26, so still relatively young.

He clearly has some finishing ability and can hold up and assist.

We all know his build up play is weak and his first touch terrible. However, we as a team have also been poor and not providing Lukaku with quality assists. We have no natural wingers and our wing backs have also been piss poor. Our midfield have mostly been average at through balls, Pogba being incredible when he wants to be and useless at other times.

It's easy to put the blame on Lukaku because of his very infuriating weaknesses, but should we be investing to overcome them.

Is there a risk that we waste money trying to replace him when the real problems are elsewhere?

Sorry if this is better placed in a Lukaku thread, but with so much outgoing momentum and joy at him potentially leaving, I just thought maybe we should pause to ask the question.

We might gain a player with a better first touch, but will we lose some of the finishing ability.

His poor top 6 record clearly is a concern either way.

I for one would be reasonable happy to see him go, as I think we would need to change too much to make him work, but I am a little concerned that we are missing a trick on this one.

To be honest I have never been a fan of Lukaku. His ball control has at times been unacceptably poor for a Premier League player, to say nothing of a player plying his trade for an elite club. Not just that but he often looks overweight to me. I know that some players struggle with their weight, but the inability to manage your weight when you are playing at the highest level for a name brand club, whilst earning £250k per week is either evidence of his utter disdain for the badge or a complete lack of personal pride and discipline. Either way it is not a good look.

In the final analysis I would pay Lukaku's cab fare down the road and tip the driver. He cost twice as much as Mo Salah and has delivered half as many goals. Even more galling when you consider that Salah isnot even a centre forward. We need to cut our losses with Lukaku and reinvest elsewhere. Another player for whom we paid big money, had high hopes and who failed to deliver.

 

[Irishman]

First touch is not even Sunday league level. Hold up play therefore non existent.

Heading is below average.

Use of plysical attributes is poor considering his size and frame.

Fitness and work rate nothing short of shocking. Because of this, his pressing game only lasts 15 to 20 mins at best.

Football brain is permanently immature. Has little awareness of game.

Decent finisher and dangerous when running towards goal.

Not to the level we should be aspiring to.

 

[Rozay]

Cannot create enough for himself to be a truly top striker for me. He will typically only score in circumstances where you should expect your striker to score or get a good effort away. But then there are scenarios where I expect Aguero to score. Those don’t necessarily apply to Rom.

Given the ‘right service’ he will score goals. You need to earn and create goalscoring opportunities at the top. If you only had to do the finding the net bit, Jordan Rhodes would be as good as any striker.

 

[Suedesi]

Maybe, but as I said, mourinho got him playing like a poor man's Drogba with his back to goal, and Ole did the same end of the season. Both styles were negative and defensive for him to be the lone striker, a unfit one at that!
If a fit and confident lukaku played for the current Liverpool side, you would see his true potential.

No you wouldn't, because he would not be playing for the current Liverpool side. He's not mobile enough, he doesn't run enough inside the channels, he doesn't press, he offers nowhere near the workrate of Firmino. Lukaku just sits there hands on hips complaining. It's not about confidence, it's about work-rate and fitness which is severely lacking.