Lukaku’s Man United goal struggles caused by return of Ibrahimovic – Ferdinand

Lukaku’s Man United goal struggles caused by return of  Ibrahimovic – Ferdinand

 

Romelu Lukaku’s frustrations in front of goal continued in Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Watford.

The £75million hitman started the season amid a goal glut following his move from Everton, but has only managed to net once in his last 11 games.

Lukaku, 24, laid on Anthony Martial’s goal, but the Belgium international endured a largely disappointing evening at Vicarage Road.

Questions are now being asked of his place in the starting lineup, with some fans calling for the return of fit-again Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

And former United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that the Swede’s comeback could well be behind Lukaku’s recent goal drought.

Speaking on BT Sport after United’s success, Ferdinand said of Lukaku’s goalscoring struggles: “He’ll come out of this.

“I think that maybe the bigger problem for him is Zlatan Ibrahimovic being there.

“Mentally, having a big striker behind you who wants to play, that’s a pressure from within, and sometimes people find that hard to deal with.”

Jose Mourinho insists he “couldn’t be happier” with the Belgian, and the Portuguese also paid tribute to Ashley Young after his two goal-show against his former club.

“He is playing well,” Mourinho said. “I know what he can do for us, all the positions he can be useful for us but this left-back position, I think he has adapted and at this stage of his career he has the maturity and tactical experience, it is good.

“I was surprised that Paul (Pogba) gave him permission (to take the free-kick). I was not surprised with his shot.

“He is quite good and his percentage of success in training is quite high, we knew he could score.”

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