'Manchester United have improved Romelu Lukaku...' Belgium boss Roberto Martinez reaping benefit of striker's Everton exit

  • Ex-Everton boss Roberto Martinez was Romelu Lukaku's manager for three years
  • Now Belgium coach, Martinez works with the striker at international level
  • Martinez says Lukaku's move to Manchester United has increased his maturity

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has seen an improvement in Romelu Lukaku since leaving Everton for Manchester United.

Martinez was Lukaku's manager at club level for three years at Goodison Park and saw the striker become one of the best in Premier League during that period.

The Spaniard remains Lukaku's manager but now at international level, with both having moved on from Merseyside. Lukaku joined United this summer for £75million and has become an instant hit, scoring seven goals in seven games.

Roberto Martinez has seen Romelu Lukaku improve since moving to Manchester United

Roberto Martinez has seen Romelu Lukaku improve since moving to Manchester United

 Belgian Lukaku joined United this summer for £75million and has become an instant hit

 Belgian Lukaku joined United this summer for £75million and has become an instant hit

The Spaniard remains Lukaku's manager but now at international level with Belgium

The Spaniard remains Lukaku's manager but now at international level with Belgium

During the last international break, Lukaku scored four in two games for Martinez as Belgium ensured their place at the 2018 World Cup. Martinez says that the 24-year-old has grown as a player since moving to Old Trafford. 


Speaking to talkSPORT, Martinez said: 'It never crossed my mind that it would be something difficult for Rom. Everyone that plays with him or works with him realises very quickly that he has an elite brain.

'As a footballer, you can have your attributes but the focus he can have is quite unique. When he went to Manchester United he was solely focused on starting well and making a big impact and that is what he has done.

Belgium boss Martinez was Lukaku's manager at club level for three years at Goodison Park

Belgium boss Martinez was Lukaku's manager at club level for three years at Goodison Park

LUKAKU FOR MANCHESTER UNITED 

Games: 7

Goals: 7

Assists: 1

Minutes per goal: 90

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'He is still a very young player - sometimes we forget he is only 24 - but his goalscoring record is sensational and he is a player that wants to carry on developing and carry on learning. Now he is with a manager with whom he will keep learning different aspects at club level.

'I have seen a big difference in terms of his maturity when he comes to international camps.

'From the young player I signed from West Brom and Chelsea at that time, it is the same goalscorer but with an incredible maturity. That is great to see and he still has many, many years to develop.'