Romelu Lukaku sends clear message to haters and critics

When Romelu Lukaku ripped off his shirt in celebration of his dramatic winner against Southampton, it was more than just an act of pure elation.

After a week in which his physique had been questioned, Lukaku wanted to send a clear message that he is fit, firing and hungry to be Manchester United’s main man.

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United are flying under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but, relegated to the bench, Lukaku will not have enjoyed the last couple of months.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have been deservedly praised to the hilt since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho. Constant plaudits for the players in his position will have been incredibly difficult for Lukaku to take.

At his best, defenders cannot handle Lukaku’s pace and physicality, but he often lacks the clever movement and ability to sniff out a chance in the penalty area that you need to be a top-quality forward.

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United need him to start delivering in the big games, starting on Sunday at Arsenal, which is shaping up to be a shootout for the top four.

Score the decisive goal in this huge game and Lukaku will go a long way to proving that he can be a great Manchester United forward.

I felt for Southampton’s players, who looked to have earned a hard-fought point at Old Trafford before Romelu Lukaku’s sucker punch.

United have now won a record nine games against them after coming from behind. I was on the receiving end of one in 2005 when United won 2-1 on the final day to relegate Southampton.

It is a no-brainer that Scott Parker should get the Fulham job full-time. He understands this club.

His team were unlucky to lose against Chelsea. He picked players the fans want to see such as Ryan Sessegnon and got Fulham on the front foot. If they go down, he is the man to lead the rebuilding job.