Manchester United seemingly kick-started their transfer window today by lodging a £75m bid for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

According to sources United believe the deal is all but done, while the Toffees aren’t as convinced that a fee has been agreed.

But given the recent media leaks and Jose Mourinho’s desire to get a new forward to Old Trafford, I think the transfer is close to being concluded.

So could this be seen as a good move from the ‘Red Devils’? 

Obviously there will be a few raised eyebrows at the £75m price tag but given today’s market it’s probably on par with what you’d expect for a proven elite league goalscorer.

Lukaku has banged in 85 goals in 186 Premier League appearances.

In the previous five seasons, Lukaku has managed more than thirty games in each season and hit double figures in each of those campaigns. Last term was his best year, with a return of 25 league goals and six assists.

That’s a fantastic record, especially when you take into account that the player in question is still only twenty-four years of age.

The fact he’s already a man used to the rigours of the Premier League and has a track record in England’s top flight will keep Mourinho happy. The other main striking target for United seemed to be Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata. The Spaniard certainly has a keen goalscoring instinct but isn’t used to the English game and hasn’t had the same amount of game time as Lukaku in the past few seasons.

Amongst his goals last term, Everton’s top scorer scored against the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal showing he can handle the pressures of performing in the big games.

The attacker is also confident in front of goal for the Belgian national side, where he has 20 goals in his 57 caps.

He’s a smart runner and his direct approach often causes havoc in the opposition’s half. The hitman is also a strong forward who can bully centre-halves if given half the chance. His strength and power can add a new dimension to Man Utd’s attack, especially with Zlatan Ibrahimovic departing this summer.

The striker often prefers a precise left-footed strike but he’s also capable of scoring with his head.

Romelu will give United a focal point up-top and he could work in tandem with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in and around him.

The Belgian’s strong friendship with Man Utd midfielder Paul Pogba could also benefit United big time. The two clearly have a bond and if they can replicate that on the pitch with a good understanding then it could be an explosive partnership for the Red Devils.

The player himself has stated that he wants to prove himself at the highest level:

‘You want to be remembered as well. No matter where you play you want to be remembered. You cannot only be remembered by scoring goals, you want to be remembered by winning trophies at the end of the day.’

That’s the kind of attitude that Jose loves. He wants players that are hungry and that want to succeed.

Mourinho sold Lukaku doing his Chelsea days, so why is it different now? 

Well Romelu was still very young and raw when he was at Stamford Bridge. The young striker wanted and, in fairness, needed regular game time and that wasn’t on offer at Chelsea and probably wasn’t going to be in the immediate future.

So for the player’s own development it was better that he cut all ties with the London club when he did and it worked out well for him as he flourished with the security afforded to him as an Everton player.

That allowed him to reach his potential at Goodison and show that he was more than capable of finding the net regularly in the Premier League.

Lukaku stated at the time of his signing for Everton that Jose Mourinho was the first one on his phone wishing him luck. So I’d expect no problems between the two if they work together again at Old Trafford.

We also know that Jose isn’t phased by re-signing players or working again with stars that he had previously sold. It worked to great effect between the Portuguese gaffer and Juan Mata last term for example.

Mourinho will want Lukaku to come in and prove to his new/former boss that he is truly a world class goalscorer not just in the Premier League but also in the Champions League. 

Man United clearly need a goalscorer. Last season they only managed 54 league goals and that was 32 less than second placed Spurs. United also scored less than seventh placed Everton, who had Lukaku’s goals to rely upon.

So all in all I think Man United and Jose Mourinho will be happy if they can get Romelu Lukaku into a United jersey.

The striker will then need to come in and grab the goals that get the club challenging for the big trophies again!

Posted on July 6th, 2017 by scott
Filed under: Article