Lukaku is the striker Manchester United need, but is he the one they deserve?

The mammoth English club recently finalized a deal to bring the hulking Belgian to the Stretford End, but just how sensible was the whole idea?

Charles
Charles
Jul 10, 2017 · 5 min read

It was shaping up to be another drawn-out saga of epic proportions. Arguably the biggest club in world football was at it again. Playing the all-so-familiar game of hide-and-seek with other clubs, their players and agents. The English giants, led by Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward were in the market for a prolific forward, in an attempt to fill the gaping hole left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract termination. Finding a prolific striker in modern day football is no mean feat, talk less of finding the right man to anchor United’s forward line. However, this is exactly the kind of task that Ed relishes and where he has come to make a name for himself over time.

“Basically, if there’s anybody to pull off such a masterstroke, it’s Ed.”

The British former investment banker has overseen quite a number of high-profile signings over the past few years, including the world record move of Paul Pogba in the summer of 2016. Basically, if there’s anybody to pull off such a masterstroke, it’s Ed. Within the first month the summer transfer window opened, United were linked with about every big name in Europe —starting with Antoine Griezmann and including wonderkid and Monaco’s hot property, Kylian Mbappe. At one point, even Diego Costa was rumoured to be on the club’s radar.

“And then there were two.”

The names trickled down and then there were two. Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid, and Romelu Lukaku of Everton. Both young, relatively experienced and prolific. And most important of all, available and in need of a career turning point.

The ensuing media frenzy is already the highlight of this transfer window. Real Madrid (probably still carrying a grudge from David De Gea’s botched transfer) played hardball concerning Morata. Everton on the other hand, had to consider equally serious interest from Premier League title-holders Chelsea. Fast forward to July 10 and Manchester United, having swathed away all competitors, were announcing Romelu Lukaku as their second signing [of a very important window].

#RedRom unveiling in L.A

Was this the right decision? Should they have held out for Morata instead?

There are a myriad of think pieces on the internet comparing the two players and attempting to emphasize on which one is better. This is not one of them.

My stand is quite simple:

“Either player would have been a great choice, seeing as they have the same ceiling — potential to be world class in the near future.”

And that is exactly what the club needs. A striker who is malleable and at the same time, yet to reach his peak. The club is in a transition period; young, hungry players are going to forge the path back to the glory of illustrious days United fans ever so fondly remember.

Can Lukaku bring in the goals?

Duh. The overwhelming stats are there for everyone to see.

The Belgian has crossed the 20-goal mark in each of the last three seasons, scoring 33 in the two before that. At 24 years old, he is already Everton’s top scorer in the PL. With a 28% conversion rate last season, he managed to net 25 times and assist 6 more even though he lost the golden boot to the mercurial Harry Kane. When you consider the fact that he played for Everton and scored only one penalty goal, those numbers are impressive. Of all the scorers in the league last season, Lukaku scored with the most diversity, netting 7 goals with left foot, 12 with his right and 6 with his head. A 6’3" powerhouse, he is on his day a lethal combination of pace and technique.

It should be apparent to everyone that he is indeed a worthy addition to any side, but there are still doubts.

Number one on this list in his “first touch”. I particularly find it funny and quite ridiculous to reduce a striker with so many fantastic attributes to his ball control. However, upon scrutiny, the stats tell an interesting story.

‘Nuff said. Perhaps the whole first touch argument is just media propaganda, fueled by videos littering the internet which have stitched together his bad moments and taken a lot out of context.

Time will tell.

Another major gripe some United faithful have with this transfer is Lukaku’s alleged propensity to choke under pressure. He is seen as streaky, and often unable to rise to the occasion. However, of all the players to grace the League last season, Lukaku scored the most goals against the Big Six — 4. All done without a talented supporting cast, unlike Aguero who has Kevin De Bruyne and Kane who has Christian Eriksen. I mean, the man had to make do with the likes of Calvin-Lewin and Lookman.

And finally, they call him a flat-track bully. Does a flat-track bully do this?

Lukaku’s FA Cup wondergoal against Chelsea last March

“The reasons a cross-section of football enthusiasts have chosen to slate Lukaku and rid him of his place among the Premier League’s elite are superficial to say the least. He is a talented footballer who has many years of development ahead of him and potential to be the best striker in the world at some point.”

Whether Lukaku attains his ceiling and world class status will of course, hinge also on man-management and fitness. Nonetheless, Manchester United have added a fantastic component to the machine that’s expected to topple teams in Europe next season.

So to answer the question — YES. Romelu Bolingoli Lukaku is the striker Manchester United need and deserve at this point in time.

Your team too, if you’re being honest with yourself.

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