Romelu Lukaku may have shoved over Cesar Azpilicueta in some style during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend, but that that’s the best thing he’s done all season is a sign of where the Belgian’s Old Trafford career is at.
A prolific scorer during his time with Everton, Lukaku had long looked something of a wonderkid after a bright start to his career, first with Anderlecht and then in the Premier League.
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Still, there were doubts about Lukaku as well, with the bulky front-man struggling in his time at Chelsea, with his big-club mentality coming into question, even if he’ll argue he didn’t play as much as he should have.
United are now seeing it, however, with the 25-year-old looking a different player in red than he did in Everton blue.
27 goals in 51 games in his first season was a decent return, though it somewhat masks a barren run in the middle of the season, while some will no doubt have expected more of him at a bigger club, considering he scored 26 in just 39 games at Everton the previous season.
Lukaku’s future is now in doubt as he’s been quoted by the Guardian as failing to rule out an exit this summer, while he also told Sky Sports about how much of a dream it would be to play in Serie A.
Unsurprisingly, many MUFC fans would be content to see him go, but who could replace him? Here’s a look at five names we think would probably be upgrades…
Edinson Cavani
One of the most prolific centre-forwards in Europe this decade, Edinson Cavani has fired them in at a superb rate for both Napoli and PSG.
The Uruguay international scored 104 goals in 138 games in his time in Naples, before reaching 192 goals and counting for PSG, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer.
Now 32, there might be some element of risk in signing Cavani in the latter stages of his career, especially as he’s never played in the Premier League before. But with a record like that, you fancy he at least couldn’t be worse than Lukaku.
Calciomercato have also claimed Cavani is keen on a move to the Premier League, with Man Utd and Chelsea mentioned as clubs that could be on alert.
Antoine Griezmann
Linked with United countless times, Antoine Griezmann could once again be worth looking at for the Red Devils if Lukaku leaves this summer.
Not so long ago, Sport claimed the PL giants were leading the chase for Griezmann, and fans would surely be happy with the prolific Frenchman making his way to Manchester at last.
With 133 goals in 252 appearances for Atletico Madrid, the 28-year-old is one of the finest finishers in the business, but also a more complete footballer than out-and-out strikers like Lukaku and Cavani.
Luka Jovic
One of the finest young forwards on the planet, Luka Jovic is having an outstanding breakthrough season in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Still only 21 years of age, the Serbian starlet has hit 25 goals in all competitions, helping fire his club to the semi-finals of the Europa League, where they’ll face Chelsea.
United could do with moving for Jovic quickly as other clubs will no doubt be scrapping for his signature soon enough.
Don Balon have previously linked the Red Devils with Jovic, though another Don Balon report also linked him with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Harry Kane
This would be an ambitious one, but maybe it’s time for United to throw all their cash at someone who’s actually the real deal?
Harry Kane probably should have been prioritised over Lukaku back in 2017, but the Tottenham goal machine surely still has plenty of years left in him at the highest level and would be an outstanding purchase.
The England international has 159 goals in all competitions in the last five seasons, and surely deserves his shot at a truly big club, even if Spurs are currently ahead of Man Utd in several aspects.
Enough money could make this move happen – and United are one of the few clubs who could genuinely afford it.
Nicolas Pepe
Another young player enjoying a superb breakthrough season is Lille forward Nicolas Pepe, who has of course already been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The Express claim both United and Liverpool are after the prolific 23-year-old, who has played a variety of attacking roles including striker for Lille this season.
MUFC should do all they can to beat their rivals to this quality signing, with Pepe bringing pace, skill and an eye for goal that Lukaku could only dream of.
Which of these five options would you most like to see join this summer, United fans?
