Gary Pallister sends warning to new Man United signing about Paul Pogba
The Manchester United legend warns Romelu Lukaku that he needs to hit the ground running at Manchester United
Gary Pallister has warned Manchester United signing Romelu Lukaku that he will have to hit the ground running or face criticism like Paul Pogba.
The Europa League winners completed a £75m deal to bring the Belgium international to Old Trafford from Premier League rivals Everton earlier this summer.
Lukaku was initially linked with a return to champions Chelsea but Manchester United managed to swoop to secure the striker’s signature ahead of his former employers.
Paul Pogba and Lukaku were holidaying in Los Angeles together this summer before Manchester United announced their second signing since the end of the 2016-17 season.
The France midfielder was Manchester United’s marquee signing last summer after the Red Devils spent a club-record £89m deal with Serie A giants Juventus.
However, Pogba struggled to have a big impact on the Manchester United side to prompt criticism of the France international.
Former Manchester United defender Pallister believes Lukaku needs to learn from Pogba and hit the ground running to keep his critics quiet.
“I’ve got to say that you never know how players will settle in at Manchester United as it’s a different animal altogether from Everton, even probably Chelsea,” said Pallister, speaking to 888sport.
“The level of expectation at United exceeds both of those clubs. He’s got to get used to that. When you go for that fee everybody expects you to hit the ground running and be an instant hit but it didn’t happen to Pogba last year and I’m sure if Lukaku doesn’t score in his first few games the critics will be on his back.
“He’s a great piece of business though and will bring more dynamism to this United side and more physicality. Rashford, Mata and Lingard are all good players but haven’t got the power to worry defenders. Lukaka has that in abundance.”
Lukaku scored 25 times in 36 games in the Premier League last season for Everton.
Read the full 888sport interview with Gary Pallister, including his thoughts on which club made the best signing of the transfer window.
