[Stacks]

Whats his record against the top 20?

Don't know. I was told by a fan that goals this season have come against the teams in 19th(2), 20th, 15th, 10th, 11th, 18th, 16th and 14th. Just need to add 12th, 13th, 17th, 9th,8th,7th,6th,5th,4th,3rd, 1st and he will have the full set.
So long as Martial and Rashford chip in then we may be ok. They need to be getting 10 goals each.

 

[roonster09]

If you look at 2013-14 it was a freak season for him, he scored 6 goals against top 6 something he hasn't managed next 3 seasons combined and in 2012-13 3 of the 4 goals came in fergie's last match.

He scored hat trick as a 18 year old, that should count in his favour, not against him.

 

[roonster09]

it was from the season ending 2015 which went

1 Chelsea (C) 38 26 9 3 73 32 +41 87 Qualification for the Champions League group stage
2 Manchester City 38 24 7 7 83 38 +45 79
3 Arsenal 38 22 9 7 71 36 +35 75
4 Manchester United 38 20 10 8 62 37 +25 70 Qualification for the Champions League play-off round
5 Tottenham Hotspur 38 19 7 12 58 53 +5 64 Qualification for the Europa League group stage[a]
6 Liverpool 38 18 8 12 52 48 +4 62

2016
1 Leicester City (C) 38 23 12 3 68 36 +32 81 Qualification for the Champions League group stage
2 Arsenal 38 20 11 7 65 36 +29 71
3 Tottenham Hotspur 38 19 13 6 69 35 +34 70
4 Manchester City 38 19 9 10 71 41 +30 66 Qualification for the Champions League play-off round
5 Manchester United 38 19 9 10 49 35 +14 66 Qualification for the Europa League group stage[a]
6 Southampton

2017
1 Chelsea (C) 38 30 3 5 85 33 +52 93 Qualification for the Champions League group stage
2 Tottenham Hotspur 38 26 8 4 86 26 +60 86
3 Manchester City 38 23 9 6 80 39 +41 78
4 Liverpool 38 22 10 6 78 42 +36 76 Qualification for the Champions League play-off round
5 Arsenal 38 23 6 9 77 44 +33 75 Qualification for the Europa League group stage[a]
6 Manchester United 38 18 15 5 54 29 +25 69

The general pattern is there is a superior mini league of 6 teams who regularly contend for 4th-1st and major cups where as the rest are just fillers. 2016 was an oddity where this time only a measly 4 of the 6 took the spots as Chelsea imploded whilst Liverpool changed managers. If you want to include Southampton and Leicester while removing Chelsea and Liverpool then add an extra 2 goals for goals vs Southampton and Leicester, whilst removing ones against Liverpool or Chelsea. That makes 7 in 35.

He had a stinker where he scored only 10 goals, if you take last 2 seasons he scored 8 goals in 22 games, compared to Kane who scored 8 in 19, Aguero 5 in 16 against top 6 in those seasons.

 

[BluesJr]

We should sell him next summer, we won't but we should. Just not good enough for an elite attack, he's a good player but he's a tier below what we need.

 

[unitedforeveral]

Exactly.

Your sarcasm is pale.

 

[unitedforeveral]

I don’t know single manager from that list. Great list lad.

I don't know if you are being sarcastic but the first 2 are Real Betis and Villareal managers respectively and Giggs is always my first option considering he has been a lifelong United server.

 

[Bastian]

Did the ref miss the foul on Ake or just let him off lightly? Immediately after the game Rom went over to him probably to apologise. Could have broken his leg.

 

[Stacks]

We should sell him next summer, we won't but we should. Just not good enough for an elite attack, he's a good player but he's a tier below what we need.

I disagree with this. Give him more time. Plus who would be his replacement. If we have 2 outstanding goal scoring wingers, then Lukaku's weaknesses won't matter. Bayern won CL with Mandzukic

 

[Chelskiing]

Bayern won CL with Mandzukic

Then they shipped him....

 

[Fortitude]

Some thoughts about him:

* He's a tank. The pros about this are obvious: once he really starts going people are bulldozed and smashed. I like when some CBs try to get close and are knocked of the park. It's fun, really. The downside of this is that he reminds me of those Resident Evil 2 characters when you tried to control them and run past some zombies. It's ankward to turn, lacks agility and you end up stuck in a dead end... Seriously, just watch some random guy playing Resident Evil for the first time and you'll get some flashbacks of our Lukaku, with the ball at his feet, trying to turn and outrun people.

* A lot of his runs are never spotted by his teamates. You can see him pointing & running and guys like Mata, Lingard or Martial trying one touch more instead of releasing the ball. It fecks up a lot of his game (and our attacks). Yeah, I know that he should be more complete (oh, the myth of the Complete Striker), but, hell, why not try to play for his strenghts? Spot the run, release the ball and let him run through the CBs and score.

* I like him, I like when he scores and, for the love of god, don't compare him to Wellbeck. It's unfair. Danny can't score in a brothel.

If only your first point were true; he's really not very strong relative to his size and often gets muscled off the ball, but when I say muscled, it's more that he simply doesn't seem to understand he has more power than those he's contesting against more often than not - he doesn't use his size to his advantage at all.

Your second point is an excellent one, however. He definitely does not get the service his runs demand, and he spends large portions of each game utterly frustrated that a clever break he's made is completely neglected. Problem is, that only Pogba has the ability to thread the passes those runs are begging out for, and we should not be so reliant on a single player to play Lukaku in when he's made those breakaway runs. Lukaku's runs are screaming out for an Oezil-like passer of the ball to be drafted in to supply him.

We definitely don't play to his strengths, and that is to the detriment of both the player and the team. It's very odd because if you've a striker who wants the ball played neatly between the lines, a team should surely do what is necessary to accommodate that style of play or not buy him in the first place. The problem here may well be that Mkhitaryan was supposed to be that primary supplier and has since fallen so far out of grace that he's not even in matchday squads anymore. Perhaps that's where this void and disconnect we have in forward passing has come from and it needs filling ASAP.

We can talk about Lukaku's numerous failings, but the team certainly is not set up in a way that he can ever really display his strengths, either, so all the blame for his performance can't be thrown at his feet without some context. If we do get an Oezil, and the balls he wants are being put on a plate for him, and he's still not shining, then that will be a different discussion entirely.

 

[breakout67]

Then they shipped him....

And then he got to the CL final again with Juventus

Mandzukic is a very tactically aware forward; its not a surprise that he has been part of very good teams for a while now.

 

[Chelskiing]

And then he got to the CL final again with Juventus

Mandzukic is a very tactically aware forward; its not a surprise that he has been part of very good teams for a while now.

Sure, though they replaced him with a better striker in Lewandowski

 

[Vault Dweller]

Just seen some of Eddie Howe's comments saying that Lukaku should have been sent off for a couple of tackles.

I must have missed these incidents, anyone see what happened or know what he's talking about?

 

[quethenoo]

Just seen some of Eddie Howe's comments saying that Lukaku should have been sent off for a couple of tackles.

I must have missed these incidents, anyone see what happened or know what he's talking about?

One right at the start on their touchline where he was slightly late and probably should have been booked, then there was another one near the halfway line (I think) that could have been a yellow card perhaps but by no means were either stone wallers. Can't think of any other obvious candidates.

 

[ash_86]

Lukaku has won us 6 points on his own (only goals of the game or last goal of the game). 9 points if you count the important assist against spurs. Wonder if any other PL striker currently won more points for their respective teams?

 

[iKeano]

Just seen some of Eddie Howe's comments saying that Lukaku should have been sent off for a couple of tackles.

I must have missed these incidents, anyone see what happened or know what he's talking about?

He made one fairly wreckless challenge on the touchline that could have been a yellow towards the end of the first half. Then made a similar one at the edge of the square minutes later. They looked pretty messy tackles from where I was but haven't seen the highlights on TV. Would have been a harsh sending off, but they must be what Howe meant.

In terms of his performance, other than the goal, he was fairly poor. Can sense the unease in the crowd when he inexplicably comes back to defend against set pieces now, if I was De Gea I would want him on the edge of the square for a quick break.... and also to stay away from the 6 yard box! Made one defensive header in the first half to ironic cheers from the crowd.
Looks like his confidence is shot. Non-celebrating didn't look good either.

 

[breakout67]

Sure, though they replaced him with a better striker in Lewandowski

Yeh they did, but Lewandoski is such a freak goalscorer that Madzukic being better in other areas can't make up for it. Mandzukic would be pretty good as support for Lewandoski.

He's like Welbeck but actually scores goals

 

[Home&Away]

Didn't want him because I always thought Rashford could become our lead striker - in his first season only he showed elements of consistency and predator like instincts in and around the penalty area & really good finishing.

Now I see him trying to be some cross between a winger & a forward - is great but not progressed in the way & position I wanted him to. Though his long rang shooting is good for him - his focus on this shows me his change of progression rather than being the type of striker Lukaku is.
He is fast, instinctive, a great finisher as well as making it look simple nearly everything except a bit of Physicality & heading.

I feel that Rashford could replace Lukaku with ease. Not only that but for him to perfect being a striker will be easier for him that a winger/inside forward where I see much more things he needs to work on

 

[Bastian]

Are you guys kidding? That challenge on Ake should have been a red. Had that been their forward on our defender everyone would be saying it should have been a red.

 

[Vault Dweller]

One right at the start on their touchline where he was slightly late and probably should have been booked, then there was another one near the halfway line (I think) that could have been a yellow card perhaps but by no means were either stone wallers. Can't think of any other obvious candidates.

He made one fairly wreckless challenge on the touchline that could have been a yellow towards the end of the first half. Then made a similar one at the edge of the square minutes later. They looked pretty messy tackles from where I was but haven't seen the highlights on TV. Would have been a harsh sending off, but they must be what Howe meant.

In terms of his performance, other than the goal, he was fairly poor. Can sense the unease in the crowd when he inexplicably comes back to defend against set pieces now, if I was De Gea I would want him on the edge of the square for a quick break.... and also to stay away from the 6 yard box! Made one defensive header in the first half to ironic cheers from the crowd.
Looks like his confidence is shot. Non-celebrating didn't look good either.

Cheers guys, much appreciated. Sounds like it would have been a harsh red then maybe.

@Bastian I've not seen any replays yet and missed it at the time so will need to try and see the replays.

Agree on Lukaku not celebrating either, didn't look the best. He literally turned and looked so impassive I thought he was offside or something for a second lol.

 

[Ban]

Your sarcasm is pale.

Your wumming is even worse.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Are you guys kidding? That challenge on Ake should have been a red. Had that been their forward on our defender everyone would be saying it should have been a red.

 

[DanClancy]

If only your first point were true; he's really not very strong relative to his size and often gets muscled off the ball, but when I say muscled, it's more that he simply doesn't seem to understand he has more power than those he's contesting against more often than not - he doesn't use his size to his advantage at all.

Your second point is an excellent one, however. He definitely does not get the service his runs demand, and he spends large portions of each game utterly frustrated that a clever break he's made is completely neglected. Problem is, that only Pogba has the ability to thread the passes those runs are begging out for, and we should not be so reliant on a single player to play Lukaku in when he's made those breakaway runs. Lukaku's runs are screaming out for an Oezil-like passer of the ball to be drafted in to supply him.

We definitely don't play to his strengths, and that is to the detriment of both the player and the team. It's very odd because if you've a striker who wants the ball played neatly between the lines, a team should surely do what is necessary to accommodate that style of play or not buy him in the first place. The problem here may well be that Mkhitaryan was supposed to be that primary supplier and has since fallen so far out of grace that he's not even in matchday squads anymore. Perhaps that's where this void and disconnect we have in forward passing has come from and it needs filling ASAP.

We can talk about Lukaku's numerous failings, but the team certainly is not set up in a way that he can ever really display his strengths, either, so all the blame for his performance can't be thrown at his feet without some context. If we do get an Oezil, and the balls he wants are being put on a plate for him, and he's still not shining, then that will be a different discussion entirely.

I can't pretend I don't get frustrated by him but he certainly comes in for too much criticism. He's missed Pogba's creativity but even without him there's no excuse for the lack of crosses coming into the box which is Lukaku's greatest source of goals.

He's clearly got his limitations but he can make up for that starting with making use of his physicality which he doesn't utilize. He can work harder at times too, its frustrating to watch some of half arsed attempts at closing down an opponent.

 

[BluesJr]

I disagree with this. Give him more time. Plus who would be his replacement. If we have 2 outstanding goal scoring wingers, then Lukaku's weaknesses won't matter. Bayern won CL with Mandzukic

Mandzukic is in a different world technically to Lukaku. He can’t improve in that department, so we should just admit the mistake and move on. As I said though, we won’t because we aren’t ruthless enough with players.

 

[BigCaine]

He scored hat trick as a 18 year old, that should count in his favour, not against him.

If he had done it in any other game vs utd I would but it was Fergie's last game, that game had a more testimonial where you want to enjoy rather than a league game where you want to win feel to it.

 

[FreakyJim]

He's so frustrating with the ball but he's such a beast in the box. That header was amazing, I don't think there are many strikers out there capable of what he did. If only we had proper wingers and full backs that can whip a cross...

I don't think he's the problem atm.

 

[Lentwood]

I think the treatment of Lukaku by our crowd is a disgrace. It's almost like there is a undertone of snobbery because we signed him from Everton and people always want Carlos Kickaballos from Flamengo

It's incredibly difficult to be a CF in a Mourinho side. Mourinho himself acknowledges that, which is why he has been so adamant on the fact that he doesn't judge Lukaku by his goals

 

[MThomas]

I think the treatment of Lukaku by our crowd is a disgrace. It's almost like there is a undertone of snobbery because we signed him from Everton and people always want Carlos Kickaballos from Flamengo

It's incredibly difficult to be a CF in a Mourinho side. Mourinho himself acknowledges that, which is why he has been so adamant on the fact that he doesn't judge Lukaku by his goals

Are the fans who are attending matches treating him badly ? How ? When ?

 

[spontaneus1]

Are the fans who are attending matches treating him badly ? How ? When ?

Constantly groaning when he gives the ball away, ironic cheers when he cleared a corner yesterday. Really poor from them, no wonder his confidence is shot.

 

[Dante]

Are the fans who are attending matches treating him badly ? How ? When ?

I think it's overstated. Mourinho criticised the fans for it, but that was only a tactic to show that the manager was 100% behind his player.

The only negativity has been from visceral reactions. Involuntary groans or sighs. They're exactly what I do when I watch at home, and aren't intended to show dissatisfaction. I can no more stop myself from cheering a goal than I can tutting a bad first touch. It just so happens that Lukaku is a bit sensitive at the moment. He needs a few months before he'll feel loved enough to make mistakes without assuming he's being unfairly judged.

At the moment, I think he's still treading on egg shells because of the size of the crowd and the magnitude of the transfer fee, and the lack of confidence to meet the huge expectations without making mistakes every so often.

 

[red4ever 79]

I thought it was common knowledge when we signed him that his technical ability and hold up play was poor. In fact I have a couple of friends who were regular match goers at Goodison and they said the same. He is a goal scorer and nothing more. Unfortuantely for him the goals have dried up which mean his all round game is then under scrutiny..

 

[Bastian]

@Pogue Mahone
You watched it again?

 

[RuudTom83]

The adding pressure comes with the territory. Being a forward for Manchester United is incredibly stressful but if he can get close to 30 goals (all competitions) then that will be a decent first season for him.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

@Pogue Mahone
You watched it again?

I watched the replays. Lucky not to get booked. Never a red card.

 

[Fluctuation0161]

Fair play to Lukaku. I like how he reacted after the goal. He knows he needs to improve. He is in first season with a top club and is young enough to develop and adapt. I was as annoyed as anyone with his performance last Sunday but it is early days. We need to support him.

 

[roonster09]

It's not even half a season, Lukaku has scored first 2 goals vs West Ham
Scored 2nd goal vs Swansea away to make it 2-0
Scored goal to put us 2-1 ahead vs Stoke away
Assisted 2nd goal to Mkhitaryan to make it 2-0 vs Everton at home
Scored only goal to win the game 1-0 vs Southampton away
Assisted only goal vs Huddersfield to make the score 1-2
Assisted only goal vs Spurs at home to make it 1-0
Very good cross to Rashford who then headed the ball to Pogba to make 3-1 vs Newcastle at home.
Played good pass to Lingard (after beating 2 players with the way he received the ball) who then passed the ball to Young to make it 1-0 vs Watford away.
Very good assist to Martial to make it 3-0 vs Watford away
Played good pass to Martial who then flicked the ball to Lingard to make it 2-0 vs Arsenal away (he played little role in 3rd goal too but it was all Pogba)
Scored only goal against Bournemouth to win 1-0 at home.

In CL,
Scored goal vs Basel to make it 2-0 at home
Scored first and third goal to make it 1-0 and 3-0 vs CSKA away
Scored equalising goal to make it 1-1 vs CSKA home.

But yeah his first touch isn't perfect and his hold up play isn't good, so we should sell him asap.

 

[Bastian]

I watched the replays. Lucky not to get booked. Never a red card.

Really not different from the Pogba foul. In both cases there wasn't intent, but the Lukaku foul was more likely to cause serious damage. I'd be surprised if non-biased people wouldn't see the obviousness of it.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Really not different from the Pogba foul. In both cases there wasn't intent, but the Lukaku foul was more likely to cause serious damage. I'd be surprised if non-biased people wouldn't see the obviousness of it.

Well Eddie Howe didn’t think it was a red card. He thinks Lukaku should have been sent off for two yellow cards. That foul and the one on Arter later in the game. No mention of a straight red. Is he biased too?

 

[Bastian]

Well Eddie Howe didn’t think it was a red card. He thinks Lukaku should have been sent off for two yellow cards. That foul and the one on Arter later in the game. No mention of a straight red. Is he biased too?

Consider me surprised. Like I said, if that was a foul suffered by our player I'd be incensed.

 

[Stacks]

Mandzukic is in a different world technically to Lukaku. He can’t improve in that department, so we should just admit the mistake and move on. As I said though, we won’t because we aren’t ruthless enough with players.

Milan won CL with Inzaghi when he was 34. Its do able