Lukaku should be really worried about his role at Man United – says former Champions League winner

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Man United’s squad should worry Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku joined the Red Devils from Everton and has been in fine form since his debut.

Many fans were happy to see Zlatan make his first appearance since sustaining a knee injury in a Europa League fixture last season.

Zlatan came on in the last ten minutes when Man United humbled Newcastle 4-1 at Old Trafford and even had an acrobatic effort at goal saved by goalkeeper Rob Elliot.

According to Carragher, Lukaku being moved to the flank every time Ibrahimovic comes in will not go down well with the striker since he is a central striker and needs to play in a position where he is at his best.

Jose Mourinho was elated by Lukaku’s fourth goal and told the media he was glad the Belgian was back among the goalscorers.

In the Champions League, Man United lost to Basel 1-0 courtesy of a late Michael Lang strike and similarly, when Ibrahimovic came on, Lukaku moved to the flank.

Carragher said that Lukaku might not have enjoyed being moved to the flank as he is a central striker and if that kind of re-arrangement happens frequently, it might cause problems at United. 

He summarised by saying Zlatan studied Lukaku keenly when he was still injured and just like many top players, he will have a point to prove when he is given game time. 

“When I was seriously injured – I had a knee operation and a broken leg – I never feared I would not be back. Both times I returned a month early, watching the team and stating with confidence I would reclaim my place. I do not write this to be sound big-headed, just to demonstrate how far absolute belief matched with application and talent gets you. My attitude was this: You think you’re coming here to get my place? You better earn it more than anyone else in this side,” said Carragher.