Romelu Lukaku’s struggles at Manchester United this season can in part be blamed on Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic, thinks Alan Shearer.
The forward was excellent at the weekend, scoring and assisting as the Red Devils came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1.
But it hasn’t always been so good for the Belgian, who has at times struggled for goals in his debut season for the club. Those issues have been particularly pronounced against the better sides, with his strike against Chelsea his first against a fellow top-six side since his move to Old Trafford.
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While Lukaku has been criticised, some of the blame should be placed on Manchester United’s style of play, according to Shearer. More specifically, the former England international has identified midfielders Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic for slowing things down and making life tough for Lukaku.
‘I do have a little bit of sympathy for him [Lukaku] because sometimes the way Man Utd play and the way Mourinho wants them to play with either Herrera or Matic,’ he told the BBC. ‘Once the midfielder gets the ball not always are their first thought is “can I get the ball forward”, sometimes their first thought is “I’ll go to the left, or I’ll go back or I might even go to the right”.
‘But, if it were to happen more often and look forward first and play that ball forward that makes it so much easier for a centre forward to cause problems.’
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Shearer’s comments will further enhance the standing of Scott McTominay, who impressed in central midfield on Sunday. The youngster is emerging as a viable alternative to Manchester United’s more established midfielders.
Lukaku’s performance against Chelsea took his Premier League tally to 13 goals and six assists for the season. Manchester United meanwhile returned to second place in the table.
MORE: Thierry Henry names his Premier League top four after Chelsea defeat to Manchester United
Romelu Lukaku’s struggles at Manchester United this season can in part be blamed on Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic, thinks Alan Shearer.
The forward was excellent at the weekend, scoring and assisting as the Red Devils came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1.
But it hasn’t always been so good for the Belgian, who has at times struggled for goals in his debut season for the club. Those issues have been particularly pronounced against the better sides, with his strike against Chelsea his first against a fellow top-six side since his move to Old Trafford.
More: Football
While Lukaku has been criticised, some of the blame should be placed on Manchester United’s style of play, according to Shearer. More specifically, the former England international has identified midfielders Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic for slowing things down and making life tough for Lukaku.
‘I do have a little bit of sympathy for him [Lukaku] because sometimes the way Man Utd play and the way Mourinho wants them to play with either Herrera or Matic,’ he told the BBC. ‘Once the midfielder gets the ball not always are their first thought is “can I get the ball forward”, sometimes their first thought is “I’ll go to the left, or I’ll go back or I might even go to the right”.
‘But, if it were to happen more often and look forward first and play that ball forward that makes it so much easier for a centre forward to cause problems.’
More: Manchester United FC
Shearer’s comments will further enhance the standing of Scott McTominay, who impressed in central midfield on Sunday. The youngster is emerging as a viable alternative to Manchester United’s more established midfielders.
Lukaku’s performance against Chelsea took his Premier League tally to 13 goals and six assists for the season. Manchester United meanwhile returned to second place in the table.
MORE: Thierry Henry names his Premier League top four after Chelsea defeat to Manchester United
