Romelu Lukaku embracing role as Man United's focal point after netting first goal

David Cooper - Writer 14:33 18/07/2017
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  • Romelu Lukaku says he is embracing being the focal point of Manchester United’s attack after the £75million signing from Everton got his first goal for the Red Devils in a pre-season clash with Real Salt Lake.

    The big Belgian fired United ahead on 38 minutes, latching on to a low cross from Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

    The 24-year-old striker had also been involved in United’s equaliser scored by Mkhitaryan in the 29th minute after Luis Silva had given Salt Lake a shock early lead.

    Lukaku used his strength and physical presence to hold off the Real defense to feed Jesse Lingard, who provided the pass for Mkhitaryan to score.

    And speaking to MUTV after the 2-1 win, Lukaku couldn’t hide his delight at opening his account and promised more is to come.

    “I’m here to score goals and be the focal point of the team,” he said. “At Manchester United, we play to win and that’s the mentality when I get on the pitch and everything comes with it.

    “From the first day, when we had the meeting with the manager in Los Angeles, you just felt that something special was happening. But it’s down to us now; we need to work hard every day and deliver in the pre-season games to be ready for the new season.

    “I know a lot of the lads from before, a lot of them are my neighbours! I didn’t take a lot of time to settle in, I just want to be one of characters in the team to help the team win. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity, like I said. Now, I am here and it’s time to work hard and, hopefully, deliver.”

    The United goals were the rare highlights of a disjointed first half performance from Mourinho’s side, who had travelled to Utah earlier Monday from their Los Angeles training camp.

    For much of the opening half United were second best, with their defense being given a torrid time by a team who are languishing near the foot of Major League Soccer’s Western Conference.

    “Real Salt Lake caused a bit of a shock – but we knew they were a good side and we were well prepared,” Lukaku added. “Every time we played at high pace, we did well. We need to keep improving because now we are playing against better opponents and we need to improve.

    Lukaku celebrates his goal against Real Salt Lake

    “The last five minutes before the end of the first half were tough. Physically, we worked really hard and, in the second half, we created a lot of chances. We didn’t score but, at least physically, everyone is healthy and working hard which is good for us.”

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