5 reasons why Romelu Lukaku will be a hit at Manchester United

#4 He’s scored loads of goals for weaker sides in fewer games

Lukaku has scored goals wherever he’s been, including at weaker sides like West Brom

While Lukaku’s goal return since his loan move to West Brom in 2012/13 has largely been fantastic, what’s sometimes overlooked is that he’s been scoring goals for sides who haven’t been challenging for the title. And he’s also been doing it in fewer games that some of his contemporaries too.

For instance, in 2016/17 Lukaku scored 26 goals in all competitions. Alexis Sanchez in comparison scored 30; the difference is in the number of games. Lukaku only played 39 for Everton as they weren’t in Europe and were knocked out of both domestic cups early. Sanchez meanwhile played in 51 games for Arsenal, including eight in the Champions League.

Another point to add is that the highest league position a side that Lukaku has featured heavily in was Everton’s 5^th place finish in 2013/14. Outside of that, his teams have finished in largely average spots – an 8^th place, two 11^th places and a 7^th place last season.

In contrast, the lowest United have ever finished is 7^th – the David Moyes season – and they’ve only dropped out of the top five once more than that.

With more games to play – remember United are in the Champions League this season – and a much higher chance of challenging for the title, Lukaku is now in a far better position to be able to score more goals. If he could average over 20 for a side like Everton consistently, what can he do for United?