Bit of patience, eh?
Every single footballer is used to living their life with an intense amount of scrutiny, that comes with the job, but when you’re price tag is £75m and you’ve just joined one of the biggest clubs in the world (yes, Manchester United still are) it’s massively amplified.
Romelu Lukaku is familiar with dealing with pressure – after all, the Belgian made his professional at the tender age of 16 and has since become a seasoned Premier League goalscorer – but his move to Manchester United will see him dealing with a different sort of pressure.
Unsurprisingly, Lukaku didn’t start United’s pre-season opener against LA Galaxy as Mourinho opted for a strikeforce of Lingard, Mata and Rashford.
It’s only a friendly and the MLS side were very poor, but Mourinho must have been happy to get another look at United playing as a back three while goals from Rashford (x2), Fellaini, Mkhitaryan and Martial will hopefully be an indicator that United won’t be as goal-shy in the league this season.
Well, we’ll see about that when United take on West Ham on August 13 at Old Trafford.
Regarding Lukaku, the £75 million man replaced Rashford at the break and he had one excellent chance to score his first goal for the club.
After an absolute howler from the LA Galaxy ‘keeper, Brian Rowe, Paul Pogba instantly played in Lukaku who only had to pick his spot. He didn’t as Rowe redeemed his error.
Here’s the goals and Lukaku’s miss (2:00 mark)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNILiGWN9hE
Clip via – Premium Sintesi
Speaking after the game, Mourinho told ESPN that he was happy with the performance of the Belgian striker.
“He didn’t score goals, but he played better than the ones who did score goals. Target man, hold the ball well, good movement, not selfish team player, not selfish and fast on the counter attack. I’m so happy.”
Man Utd 5-2 LA Galaxy
Debut of Romelu Lukaku
Jose Mourinho praises his team effort
Clam down #MUFCFANS he will score goals#MUFC #MUTOUR pic.twitter.com/4d1jafvORC— Why_So_Serious_? (@HODL_till_2140) July 16, 2017
Yes, we know that this is only the first game that Lukaku has played for Manchester United and one miss doesn’t make a bad player, but plenty of people were quick to make an instant judgement and wind up Manchester United fans regarding the fee they paid for the striker.
Lukaku miss gifs coming in 3 2 1…. pic.twitter.com/InBSzHn5ws
— Dr Palash Agrawal (@drpalashagrawal) July 16, 2017
Huge chance for Lukaku but 'keeper equal to it. Lindelof looks comfortable from the off.
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) July 16, 2017
Lukaku with another chance missed…Imagine he'll score soon, but Rashford would have already had his hat-trick methinks
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) July 16, 2017
Lukaku fails to score on #mufc debut. What a waste of money. It's 5am, I'll miss the morning headlines, so just guessing. Night all
— Rich (@RichBLee7) July 16, 2017
It's not a United game if rashford & mkitaryan do not miss good chances. Now we have Lukaku to add to that now
— Jnr. (@__Femi) July 16, 2017
This Is Just pre Season But Lukaku's miss Is painful
— Baddest (@Iamsheun) July 16, 2017
Another miss from Lukaku, this time dragged wide of the left post… #MUFC
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) July 16, 2017
To be fair, these two men have pretty much nailed it.
https://twitter.com/AntonisFTW/status/886419483623129088
https://twitter.com/kiddiebeatz/status/886423180214185985
