Romelu Lukaku is the main man for Manchester United but he could still learn from Zlatan Ibrahimovic

  • Romelu Lukaku has enjoyed a strong start to his Manchester United career
  • However, Lukaku could learn from Zlatan Ibrahimovic should the Swede return
  • Ibrahimovic could teach the Belgian the finesse to go to the next level
  • Marcos Alonso provided the perfect riposte to rumours of arrivals in his position 

Romelu Lukaku is the man. He looks like Manchester United's No 1 striker, he plays like Manchester United's No 1 striker. But he needs Zlatan Ibrahimovic to teach him a few old tricks.

If United announce that Zlatan has signed on again later this week, it should be a relief for Lukaku.

They could play together, but also it could take the weight off his shoulders. He will tire in what could be a long campaign and Zlatan can show him how he can lead the line. 

Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring Manchester United's second goal against Swansea

Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring Manchester United's second goal against Swansea

If United announce that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed on again, it should be a relief for Lukaku

If United announce that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed on again, it should be a relief for Lukaku

Give him the space and Lukaku will kill you but there were times in the game at Swansea, when it was tight, when he struggled. And that will happen against better teams. They won't give him the room to destroy them.


He will have to think his way through the roadblocks and he is still learning that part of his game.

Ibrahimovic is brilliant at that, playing little one-twos, taking the ball into feet under pressure, playing give-and-go.

Lukaku is a top signing for United and his start has proved that but he needs a little work on his finesse. Brute force can only get you so far in this league.

 Lukaku is a top signing and his start has proved that but he needs a little work on his finesse

 Lukaku is a top signing and his start has proved that but he needs a little work on his finesse

 

What do you do with a late goal?

Half-time is approaching and the scores are level. You've prepared what you have to say with about three or four minutes remaining before the break.

You have only 15 minutes to get your message across, to make the changes and to organise. You know what you want to say and how to say it.

And then the opposition score from a set piece. And the whole mood changes. You've got the distance between the dugout and the dressing room to find the right words.

Swansea boss Paul Clement had to deal with a goal just before half-time against United

Swansea boss Paul Clement had to deal with a goal just before half-time against United

That's what happened to Swansea manager Paul Clement on Saturday. His team were doing all right — and then they were trailing 1-0 to a scrappy goal from Eric Bailly.

Sometimes as a manager, you say nothing. Your players will provide you with answers before you have had to ask a question.

Sometimes, if you are deep in trouble, a manager will want his voice to be the first that is heard. You want to know how it happened because conceding a goal like that is galling. The players would have worked at that all week.

Losing 4-0 was harsh on them, but they chased the game and sent too many bodies forward.

United have pace and power in their team and plenty more on the bench.

 

Can Chelsea really improve on Alonso?

As a manager, when your transfer targets are all over the press there is the odd benefit. You look to see how the guy in the shirt at your club reacts. 

He might have a hissy fit or his form might dip because he is under threat. Or he might do what Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses  did at Wembley. 

Alonso will make the headlines in this magazine but Moses was very good along the other flank too. Alonso had a very good first season at Stamford Bridge, but has seen Chelsea linked with Tottenham's Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus. 'Take that!' is his response. Well played I say.

Alonso celebrates after a firing a late winner under the body of Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris

Alonso celebrates after a firing a late winner under the body of Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris

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