3 reasons why Romelu Lukaku has hit a purple patch for United in recent matches

#2 Inclusion of younger players who provide width

Lukaku has also benefited from the recent injuries suffered by midfielders Ander Herrera and Juan Mata. Herrera has played very well for United this season, but he usually excels in a box-to-box role, and prefers to play short, incisive passes instead of sending crosses to the box. Mata is also not a wide player, and prefers to play as a central midfielder.

Now, Lukaku is a big and strong centre-forward, who enjoys playing a direct role, and prefers to take on the opposition centre-backs directly. He does not have the tendency to veer towards the flanks or fall back to the middle third in order to help in build-up play.

Their injuries have opened up the avenues for younger players like Diego Dalot, Fred and Andreas Pereira, who are more direct in their approach, and very good crossers too. Dalot seems to have solved United’s problem of lacking a genuine right-sided midfielder. Some of his deliveries into the opposition penalty box have led to goals for United.

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Sai Krishna