‘Knackered’ Romelu Lukaku accused of being unfit in Man Utd draw with Chelsea by Gary Neville
ROMELU LUKAKU has been accused of being unfit after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea by Red Devils legend Gary Neville. The Belgian striker made more sprints than any other player in the Old Trafford stalemate but was mocked for being “knackered” by the Sky Sports pundit. The 25-year-old, who revealed last month that he […]
ROMELU LUKAKU has been accused of being unfit after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea by Red Devils legend Gary Neville.
The Belgian striker made more sprints than any other player in the Old Trafford stalemate but was mocked for being “knackered” by the Sky Sports pundit.
The 25-year-old, who revealed last month that he ditched his previous pre-match diet from pasta to ham and cheese omelettes, played the entirety of the draw to Chelsea.
Lukaku turned in a much-improved performance on Sunday and played a key role in Juan Mata’s opener as well as proving a handful for Cesar Azpilicueta.
However, he faced criticism for failing to run into the penalty area after feeding the ball through to Marcus Rashford following a lengthy sprint down the right wing.
Commentator Neville said: “I genuinely think it’s a fitness issue. Look at him on the edge of the box now – he’s knackered! Hands on the hips.”
I’ve got very little sympathy for anyone who’s unfit as a professional footballer
Gary Neville on Romelu Lukaku
Speaking after the clash, the former United defender stated that he has “little sympathy” for players that are unfit despite praising the star’s performance.
Neville said: “You watch him for 25 mins today and he looks like a world beater. Then you see him make one big run and he looks absolutely shot.
“He was a brilliant performer today, then you say to yourself he always looks tired after one or two big runs. He’s a big decision. I’ve got very little sympathy for anyone who’s unfit as a professional footballer.
“Football players should know their bodies inside out, you know when you can eat, when you should relax, the portion sizes.
“I am not sure how he hasn’t corrected this problem. It is not a reflection on the sports science department at the club, something isn’t right.”
LUK OF THE DRAW
Fellow pundit Alex Scott also criticised Lukaku and agreed with Neville that the Belgium international must do something to improve his overall fitness.
She said: “I don’t see how we can sit here and make excuses for him. That comes from the player.
“He knows he is unfit. How is he allowed to get away from that as a professional footballer? By his teammates as well.
“As a professional footballer, you have to ask what he is doing away from the training ground and with his lifestyle.”
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Ironically, despite question marks over his long-term fitness, Lukaku has actually recorded United’s fastest sprint this season, with a dash of 34.89km/h against Watford.
The former Everton star also blazed a trail against Wolves and Burnley to feature as many times in the Red Devil’s top-ten list this year as speed-king Marcus Rashford.
Lukaku has scored 15 goals in 45 appearances for United so far this season, with the club languishing in sixth in the Premier League table with two games remaining.
