Manchester United signed Romelu Lukaku to score goals, and he’s off the mark.
It may have only been a pre-season friendly against Real Salt Lake, but he had to open his account somewhere and United fans will hope this will be the first of many for the Belgian striker.
Lukaku scored his team’s second goal in their 2-1 win over the MLS franchise.
The 24-year-old positioned himself between the two Real Salt Lake central defenders and collected a perfectly-weighted Henrikh Mkhitaryan pass to open the scoring for United.
The Belgian rounded the goalkeeper and two defenders to slot home.
https://twitter.com/ManUtd_NM/status/887207690900058113
Lukaku was also involved in United’s opener.
https://twitter.com/manutd_brdcst/status/887139686493245440
However, despite scoring his first goal for the club, and playing a part in another goal, a lot of people on social media chose to focus on Lukaku’s first touch.
Earlier this week, a Chelsea fan compiled a collection of Lukaku touches in United’s win over LA Galaxy and some of the touches were a bit loose.
https://twitter.com/ConteMindset/status/886571040851324928
And it appears this has hit a nerve with some United fans, because the striker’s first touch was again the topic of discussion following his goal against Real Salt Lake.
Many fans of Jose Mourinho’s side defended Lukaku’s control, citing his role in Mkhitaryan’s goal. This could become a regular talking point throughout the season.
Lukaku doesn’t exactly have the close control of Dennis Bergkamp, but he has 53 goals in 110 Premier League games. If he continues that scoring rate, Mourinho or United fans will put up with a few stray touches here or there.
https://twitter.com/JakeOldroyd/status/887204440436072448
So far I've watched Lukaku play 90 minutes. Yet to see him have a 'bad' first touch. Holds the ball up well & brings others into the game
— Olly Jones (@ollyjones212) July 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/francisxrogers/status/887190100068773889
https://twitter.com/ffsCenk/status/887141699558023168
The fact that big Man Utd accounts feel the need to make a video of Lukaku's first touch is actually embarrassing. #Triggered https://t.co/lL6nDNdsH1
— ًًً (@JamesAnnenberg) July 18, 2017
Think the people exaggerate little bit about Lukaku's first touch! Who gives a shit about his 1st touch if he bangs such goals ?
— Fred (@FredyTheRed) July 18, 2017
Didn't see the United game, Chelsea fans how was the game?
Not seeing video edits of Lukaku's first touch again?
— King.sol 🇶🇦 (@teddi_speaks) July 18, 2017
"Lukaku is shit and has no first touch, ge can't dribble, can't control the ball, can't pass, all he can do is head the ball and finish" https://t.co/0A1JzEENZ9
— MΔRCO 🇿🇦 (@PxgbaRole) July 18, 2017
