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Alvaro Morata’s wonder header doesn’t just beat United – it cements status as fan favourite over Lukaku too

Fans had backed United star Lukaku in battle of the big summer signings. But exclusive SunSport poll shows it's Chelsea star Morato who is the top transfer now in supporters' eyes.

ALVARO Morata’s stunning header against Manchester United on Sunday not only won Chelsea three vital points but also helped elevate the Spaniard above Romelu Lukaku in the battle of the big-name strikers.

Morata moved to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid in the summer for £58million after being heavily linked with a reunion with former Real boss Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

 Alvaro Morata rose majestically to head the only goal of the game for Chelsea
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Alvaro Morata rose majestically to head the only goal of the game for ChelseaCredit: Reuters

His move to Chelsea was partly as a result of United preferring to splash out £75million on bringing Lukaku to Old Trafford from Everton in a record deal between British clubs.

The two giant transfers sparked fierce debate between fans over who had got the better deal.

But an exclusive Voice of the Fans poll for Sun Sport of nearly 4,000 footie followers in July revealed a convincing 60 per cent thought Lukaku was the better signing.

Few people had reason to doubt that verdict as the Belgian powerhouse got off to a flying start to the season, scoring seven goals in his first seven games, compared to Morata’s still impressive six in seven.

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But following a barren October and so-far bleak November for Lukaku – and Morata’s breathtaking strike against United on Sunday – the momentum has firmly swung in favour of the Chelsea forward.

A new poll for SunSport of more than 5,500 fans shows 60 per cent of football supporters believe Morata has been more impressive so far this season.

MOR PLEASE Morata opens up on his plans for Chelsea future... and it's good for Blues

And the stats back up that verdict.

The Blues ace has scored the same amount as his strike rival at United, but his seven strikes have come after starting just nine games, compared to Lukaka’s 11.

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That means he’s been netting every 103 minutes, a far greater rate than Lukaku’s one every 141 minutes.

Morata, who has looked sensational despite coming off with a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s home defeat against Manchester City at the end of September, also has a better shot conversion than his rival up front.

His seven goals have come from 28 shots, while Lukaku has needed 38 attempts to score the same amount.

Not that any of this will bother Jose, who has suggested he has absolute faith in Lukaku, even if it means alienating the Old Trafford faithful.

Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: Alvaro Morata leaps like a salmon to bag all three points for Antonio Conte’s Blues

After he was criticised for not substituting the forward in the 1-0 win against Spurs in October, he said: “The fans pay for their tickets and are free to express themselves the way they want.

“But my job is when I feel they deserve is to protect my players.

"I think Romelu is one of the players that should be untouchable in terms of the respect of everyone.”

Mourinho added: “It's not one goal or the ball goes against the post or a save by the opposition keeper that can make Romelu's contribution below the top level.

"He is playing extremely well for us, and yes I have to protect my players when I feel they deserve it.

“And Romelu always deserves it because what he does for the team is fantastic. Playing football for a striker isn't just about scoring goals.

"So, for me, untouchable in my team and I think he should be untouchable in the support from the fans."

But with five games since his last strike – a tap-in in United’s 4-0 win over Palace in September -  and doubts about his overall impact in games, it looks like Lukaku has a lot to do to get fans backing him again over Morata, no matter what Mourinho thinks.

Romelu Lukaku grabs two goals In his first Premier League start for Manchester United against West Ham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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