Romelu Lukaku may have escaped a ban for kicking out at an opponent over the weekend, but he still shouldn’t play against Watford this week.
The Belgian striker appeared to let his frustration get to him on Saturday when he kicked Brighton’s Gaetan Bong twice.
Such an incident should perhaps have come as little surprise – his lack of goals has to be playing on his mind.
Having started his Manchester United career on fire, he’s scored just once in his last 11 appearances for Manchester United. Coupled with the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the pressure is mounting on the shoulders of the 24-year-old.
That’s why it’s time for Jose Mourinho to take him out the firing line – starting this week against Watford.
In addition to his scoring problems, he’s played more minutes than any of the leading strikers at the other top six clubs. Simply being given a rest could be the key to kick-starting Lukaku’s season.
Minutes played by leading striker at top six clubs in all competitions and internationals
- Romelu Lukaku (Man Utd) 1,937
- Harry Kane (Tottenham) 1,813
- Roberto Firmino (Liverpool) 1,5634
- Álvaro Morata (Chelsea) 1,3935
- Sergio Agüero (Man City) 1,2526
- Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) 1,175
Now that Ibrahimovic is back, that is an option for Mourinho with the Swede able to slot into the central striker role.
He might be yet to score this season, but Ibrahimovic now has 57 minutes and three substitute appearances to his name – he should be ready to start against Watford on Tuesday. After all, being able to call upon the veteran at vital moments such as these was precisely why Manchester United signed him up for another year at Old Trafford.
Mourinho speaking about Lukaku's attitude after Brighton win
‘[I like to see] people like Romelu Lukaku playing on the right, on the left, chasing defenders, the midfield players chasing the space in the middle, so I am happy with the attitude.
‘In the last minute, Lukaku was fighting and running back like he was in the first minute. The way Romelu wins the corner for the goal, the way he ended the game, making tackles in left-back positions, that’s the mentality I want. And unfortunately not every player is the same.
‘Players are men, men are different, men are unique cases and some guys are capable of going into their limits of effort and some other guys, even with a lot of talent, they don’t manage to do that. So Romelu, for me, was fantastic. He didn’t score, but I don’t care.’
How should Manchester United line-up vs Watford?
The options at the back could be severely limited with both Phil Jones and Eric Bailly doubtful because of injury. Marcos Rojo should be available though.
Michael Carrick is the only enforced absentee in midfield but Mourinho could be tempted to make changes from the 1-0 win over Brighton at the weekend. Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic anchored that team with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata ahead of them. But despite the talent among that group, they struggled on Saturday with Manchester United managing just four shots on target throughout the game.
In addition, Mourinho will have one eye on Arsenal who Manchester United play on Saturday.
Manchester United squad
De Gea, Romero, Pereira, Valencia, Young, Tuanzebe, Jones, Bailly, Darmian, Lindelof, Rojo, Smalling, Shaw, Blind, Pogba, McTominay, Matic, Herrera, Fellaini, Lingard, Mata, Mkhitaryan, Rashford, Ibrahimovic, Lukaku, Martial
But resting players could be a foolhardy approach considering how impressive Marco Silva’s side have been this term. They’ve won their last two games without conceding, beaten Arsenal, drawn with Liverpool and very nearly got a result against Chelsea this season.
For that reason, Mourinho should play what he believes is his strongest side – and right now that means Ibrahimovic leading the line instead of Lukaku.
Possible team…
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