Man United warned about Romelu Lukaku’s weaknesses ahead of £75m transfer
Steve Nicol warns Manchester United that Romelu Lukaku could struggle playing under increased pressure at Old Trafford
Romelu Lukaku could struggle to excel in the Manchester United team because of the increased pressure on the striker, according to Steve Nicol.
The 24-year-old striker is set to complete a £75m move to Old Trafford from Everton despite being heavily linked with a switch to Chelsea earlier this month.
Lukaku will become the second-most expensive signing in Manchester United history behind world-record player Paul Pogba once the final details of the transfer are confirmed.
The Belgian forward will be tasked with replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goals after the former Sweden international netted 28 times in all competitions last term.
Manchester United’s record goal-scorer Wayne Rooney is also expected to move in the other direction back to his boyhood club Everton.
Former Liverpool defender Nicol still has doubts about Lukaku’s ability to thrive in a team that is under pressure to win titles.
Nicol told ESPN FC: “He was in a team where there wasn’t much pressure and in a team that counter-attacks – that’s how he got most of his goals.
“I don’t see him in and around the penalty box trying to get something.”
Nicol added: “He’s got a good goal-scoring record with a team that aren’t under pressure week in, week out.”
Lukaku scored 25 times in 36 games in the Premier League last season to finish behind Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the race to win the golden boot.
The Belgium international moved to Everton in a £27m deal from Chelsea in 2014.
