Romelu Lukaku has what it takes to fill the void left at Manchester United by record goal-scorer Wayne Rooney’s departure, says fellow Red Jesse Lingard.
Rooney is set to return to Old Trafford on Sunday, for the first time since the 253-goal United striker left in July to rejoin his boyhood club Everton.
Successor Lukaku, who moved in the opposite direction this summer in a £75million deal, has made an explosive start to his career in Manchester with six goals in as many games.
And Lingard, who saw first-hand Rooney’s impact at United as he came through their ranks as an Academy youngster, feels Lukaku is the ideal man to succeed his former skipper.
“We saw last year what Rom’s capable of, with what he did for Everton,” said Lingard. “He scored a lot of goals for them and now he’s carrying on his form here, which is great for us.
“He holds the ball up well, but he also runs in behind defences, which gives the guy on the ball another option. He’s very strong in the box and he’s very good with his head, so he gives a lot of options for the man on the ball.
“Rom’s a very nice lad, he’s got his feet on the ground, he doesn’t let anything faze him. And as long as keeps scoring the goals, he’s going to make the headlines.”
Lingard paid tribute to Rooney’s contribution in the striker’s 13 years at United and revealed the influence the 31-year-old had on his own career.
“I think the biggest thing was his experience in games,” said the 24-year-old. “When you’re winning a game 1-0 it’s always hard to manage it. But he knew what to do in those times, especially towards the end of games, so you learn every day from legends like that.
“Wayne will get a very good reception. He’s a legend at the club and we’ll always welcome him back. He’s always going to be recognised as a legend at the club, he’ll get a great reception when he comes back and we’ll respect him.
“Obviously he was at Everton as a young boy and he felt it was the right decision to go back.You could say he’s got unfinished business there, but Romelu has come in and we’re focused on playing with him now.”
Lingard has not started for United since being replaced at half-time in the 2-1 Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid on August 8.
The England midfielder has had to be content with four appearances from the bench and admitted to being frustrated at not starting games.
“You’ve got to be patient and bide your time,” said Lingard. “There are a lot of games, especially this month, so you’re always going to get a chance. It’s always difficult being out of the team but as long as you train hard, you know there are a lot of games coming up.”