Talking points: Romelu Lukaku intent on leaving Manchester United for Inter Milan
newpaul hirst, perth
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El loco plans ahead
Marcelo Bielsa’s dedication to planning and detail in this pre-season campaign cannot be under-stated. Bielsa has split his Leeds United squad into two groups, with the fittest group — who came back a week earlier than the rest — coming to Australia for their matches against Manchester United and Western Sydney Wanderers. The other half of the squad stayed in England to get their fitness up to speed. Bielsa flew to Australia on Tuesday but he wanted to make sure that the players who were training in Perth were not slacking so he watched a live stream of the session on his phone on the flight over and relayed instructions to his assistants.
Bielsa even brought his famous blue bucket, which he sits on at Elland Road, to Perth with him. Bielsa sat on the bucket on the touchline during today’s defeat to United at the Optus Stadium. Bielsa was not entirely happy with he saw. A number of his players skied several shots, with Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford among the worst offenders.
Lukaku absent again
Lukaku, front, is seeking a move to Inter Milan after two seasons at United
GARY DAY/FROZEN IN MOTION/REX
Romelu Lukaku was absent once again as he continues to hanker for a move to Inter Milan. It is understood that Inter will table a second bid for Lukaku in the coming days. The Italian club initially offered to take Lukaku on a two-year loan for a total of £63 million, payable in installments. Now they are expected to return with another bid of £60 million plus another £15 million in add-ons. United want £80 million for the forward, who was left out of the match-day squad after he suffered what Solskjaer described as a “knock” in training. Lukaku is the only outfield player not to feature for United on tour and the striker is convinced that his move to Inter will happen. It will be interesting to see if Lukaku plays in United’s next tour friendly which is against Inter in Singapore on Saturday. Solskjaer is certainly not happy that Lukaku missed today’s win and the victory over Perth Glory on Saturday.
“Of course it’s not ideal when you miss training sessions. He missed towards the end of the training session yesterday and he missed the game again today so he’s missed two chances to play 45 minutes,” Solskjaer said. “At this stage of the season it’s important for us we get everyone fit so hopefully he’ll be available soon.”
Change of formation
Solskjaer has been experimenting with different formations in training and United have now used two different systems in their two tour games. United played 4-3-3 in the 2-0 win over Perth Glory and today Solskjaer set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. One consequence of playing 4-2-3-1 is that Paul Pogba has to play in a deeper role than he is used to. Today he played for 45 minutes alongside Scott McTominay in a double-pivot in front of the back four. Pogba complained about playing in that system under José Mourinho because he expected the Frenchman to stay deep and spray passes from in front of the back four, but Solskjaer is happy to give the 26-year-old more chance to get forward.
There were occasions today when Pogba was the deepest player on the pitch except the two centre-backs, but he ventured forward on plenty of occasions too. Pogba impressed in the first half, firing a low shot at goal, which Kiko Casilla, the Leeds goalkeeper, saved. A minute later, Pogba swiveled on the edge of the Leeds box before brushing past two white shirts only to see Casilla tip his shot wide. A fancy flick over Kalvin Phillips also impressed the crowd, as did the incisive pass he played into Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the build up to United’s first.
Mason Greenwood
One player who has benefitted from Lukaku’s absence is Mason Greenwood. The 17-year-old striker has been the talk of the academy for some time. He scored 30 goals in 29 games for the under-23s, under-19s and under-18s last season. Today he scored his first goal for the senior team by tapping in Wan-Bissaka’s cross from the right. United have been longing for a quick, exciting player to operate on the right wing for some time and Greenwood may just be the answer. Greenwood can play anywhere across the front three — and prefers to play centrally — but is equally as good with his left foot as he is with his right so the teenager could play on the right in order to cut in and shoot with his other foot. Solskjaer was very impressed with Greenwood, who will not be loaned out and is in contention to play the opening game of the season against Chelsea on August 11.
“You see a talented boy there and he’s got every opportunity to make it as a Man United player,” Solskjaer said. “Of course it’s also going to be about luck, staying clear of injuries, being professional and I’m sure he’s going to grab his chance because everything is there for him. “He’s got a chance to start that one [against Chelsea] definitely. He’s capable, more than capable.”
