Manchester United fans were delighted to see Romelu Lukaku put in one hell of a shift when the team faced Newcastle away from home in the Premier League.
The Beglian has been unfairly criticised at times this season but performed admirably against the relegation candidates.
Playing as the lone striker, Lukaku had to be heavily involved in the build up play and did just that to a great effect.
Ever willing to drop deep to receive the ball, the former Everton man battled with the opposition’s defenders relentlessly and was perhaps the team’s best player heading into half time.
For all his good work though it was Newcastle who managed to score first after the break with United forced to then chase the game.
That's a really clever pass from Lukaku. Sanchez should score. United still look a bit off the pace but have still had two great chances.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) February 11, 2018
No real attacking chances bar Martial’s. Alexis and Lukaku the best two in that half, just need to up the tempo and not be scared to go forward. Newcastle there for the taking.
— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) February 11, 2018
Lukaku's link up play has been brilliant today and has been steadily improving all season but I'm sure he'll still get slated for it next time he takes any kind of bad touch
— jb8521 (@jb_8521) February 11, 2018
Lukaku's hold up & link up play is on a different level to what it was before he joined United. Made a big improvement with his ball retention.
— Socanalysis (@SocanalysisHQ) February 11, 2018
Lukaku has been outstanding this game. His hold up play has been brilliant, instigated every good attacking move we’ve had thus far. #mufc
— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) February 11, 2018
Romelu Lukaku’s overall game has improved hugely this season. Now looks comfortable in picking the right passes and executes them. Has been really good.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) February 11, 2018
Romelu arrived at the Red Devils as a player known for his goalscoring ability and his power but it was his link up play that gained due praise.
With the direct style of playing that Jose Mourinho prefers his teams to play with, the strong forward was often required to not just win the ball in the air but to also find his teammates in more advanced positions.
There was initial talk of Romelu Lukaku possibly losing his spot in the first team when Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned from injury.
However, things haven’t transpired that way with the Swede since struggling and then picked up another small knock to keep him out of the side.
Either way, it’s since been made clear that Lukaku is the club’s undoubted first choice striker and after his performance vs Newcastle, it’s truly deserved.