Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has taken the unusual step of speaking out on Romelu Lukaku’s future at club level.
The Spaniard believes the United forward may well be best served leaving Old Trafford this summer if he isn’t deemed a key first team player by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:
“Romelu Lukaku and Manchester United need to find the right solution for both parties. If United and Rom are happy with a change, it will be a matter of finding the right club and challenge for Rom.”
“Romelu is under contract with Manchester United, and the club will make the decision on his future. If the future is for Romelu to have a big role at Manchester United, Romelu will be ready to fulfil it.”
Reading between the lines here, it seems apparent that United have told Lukaku that he won’t be first-choice next season, or at least that he isn’t guaranteed a starting place.
With Martinez having decided to step him, it appears he is very concerned that his main striker at international level won’t be playing regularly and wants United to let him leave if a new club can be found.
Many supporters would not mind seeing Lukaku depart this summer. After all, despite the Red Devils shelling out £75m on him two years ago, he has struggled to make his mark, with too many inconsistent performances.
The Belgian’s 42 goals in 96 games is not a bad return, but he managed just 12 in the league last season, and most believe the club should have had a better return on their investment.
It’s not necessarily just Lukaku’s form that has led to uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford, though, with Solskjaer’s style of play also playing an equally important role.
The Norwegian’s focus on quick transitions between defence and attack means he favours players with pace in order to capitalise on counter-attacking situations.
With that in mind, the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial would be favoured ahead of Lukaku in the pecking order. The signing of the lightning fast Daniel James from Swansea also demonstrates the direction the club are going in.
While Lukaku can get some speed up when in full flight, he isn’t the right fit for the system, in contrast to playing under Jose Mourinho where he played an integral role.
Still, the big dilemma for United, in regards to letting Lukaku go, is Rashford’s contract situation. The 21-year-old’s current deal expires in 2021 (if United trigger their option for another year), but the striker is said to be demanding £300,000 a week.
With the England star’s future also in flux, there would be questions raised if United let Lukaku leave, and keep faith with Rashford, especially if the young forward doesn’t start next season very well.
Inter Milan are said to be the likeliest destination for Lukaku, but if Martinez’s statement is anything to go by, United would rather keep hold of him for now, even though he isn’t likely to be a regular starter.