Lukaku Names The Player That Will Help United Overtake City, And It’s NOT Pogba
REUTERS/Andrew Yates
Romelu Lukaku feels the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic post his injury will give the Red Devils the impetus they need in the Premier League.
Zlatan had a remarkable first year at Old Trafford, wherein he scored 28 goals across all competitions in just 46 matches, before a horrific injury in the Europa League earlier this year cut short his campaign.
Although his contract wasn’t renewed in June, the player trained at Carrington and was offered a new deal by manager Jose Mourinho. He is yet to feature for the club this season, but is set to return to action by next month, as he leads his recovery from the knee injury.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaLrZYRVTzw
The 35-year-old has enough firepower in his belly, and like everybody, United’s prolific new signing Romelu Lukaku has enough faith in Zlatan. The Belgian feels the former Sweden international will be a vital addition to the squad, and will help United chase down leaders City.
Speaking to Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill, Lukaku admitted: “It motivates me really, because he’s another good player to add to the squad. When you face a team like us it’s difficult for opponents. Ibrahimovic coming back will help us chase Manchester City.”
Lukaku himself started the season with a bang and scored a flurry of goals, but since a couple of matches, his presence has faded. The former Everton striker scored a brace in last week’s international friendly for Belgium, however, and will hope that helps him get things started at club level too.
Reuters / Andrew Yates
It will be interesting to see whether Zlatan fits alongside Lukaku at United, and how Mourinho uses the veteran striker. The ex-Chelsea boss could use the duo in a 3-4-1-2 system, especially since he has several options up his sleeve.
The Old Trafford outfit currently trail arch-rivals Man City by 8 points after 11 games in the Premier League, which is why having Ibrahimovic back, especially during the jam-packed schedule in December, could really help Mourinho’s cause.
Written by Rajdeep Saha 
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.