Be fair to Lukaku!

(Baonghean.vn) - The Belgian striker has received a lot of criticism after his poor performance at Anfield.

Objectively speaking, the former Everton striker had a forgettable game in his career. Throughout the 90 minutes of the match between Liverpool and Man Utd in the eighth round of this season's Premier League, Lukaku's performance left those who had faith in him feeling disappointed.

A striker as powerful in his attacking runs, physical presence, and keen sense for the opponent's net as Lukaku suddenly becomes ordinary and harmless.

No one could have predicted that the striker who finished second in the Premier League's top scorer list in 2016/2017 (25 goals), forcing Man Utd to spend £75 million to bring him from Everton, and who was scoring prolifically in his new "Red Devils" shirt, would have such a terrible and ineffective performance.

Lukaku clutched his head in disappointment after his shot was saved by goalkeeper Mignolet. Photo: Internet

Lukaku was completely neutralized by Liverpool's attack, much like how he often did when his former club Everton visited Anfield – where the Belgian star has only managed a single goal (during his time at West Brom).

Three notable moments that marked Lukaku's presence in the Liverpool - Man Utd match were also moments of embarrassment for the striker. First was his defensive lapse during a Liverpool corner kick in the 34th minute.

Lukaku's slow movement forward allowed home striker Firmino to successfully break the offside trap and deliver a cross for center-back Matip to tap in from close range. Fortunately for Man Utd, goalkeeper De Gea made a spectacular save to prevent a certain goal.

Exactly nine minutes later, Lukaku had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock for his team. Following a one-two pass with teammate Martial, the 24-year-old striker found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Mignolet from about 13 meters, but his weak shot failed to beat his compatriot.

Furthermore, in the 44th minute, Lukaku was involved in a challenge with two Liverpool players, Moreno and Lovren, in the midfield area. After losing possession, the number 9 striker stepped on the Serbian defender's face. Although not spotted by the referee, Lukaku will likely face a retrospective punishment.

Witnessing his protégé's poor performance, former player Gary Neville criticized him, saying: "I'm very disappointed with Lukaku; this is the time he needs to prove himself. Lukaku looked distracted in the first half, he lost himself and seemed dejected. He contributed nothing. This was a big game to establish Lukaku's name as a Manchester United striker, not a game that ruined the whole team."

Gary Neville's accusations against his younger teammate are unsurprising. However, blaming everything on Lukaku after just one big game is rather unfair.

In football, it's perfectly normal for players to make mistakes or play poorly, especially since Lukaku is only 24 years old and has only been at Old Trafford for about three months. Given the tactics Mourinho employed in the match against Liverpool, it would be surprising if the Belgian striker wasn't ineffective.

It took Rooney (left) 11 years to score his second goal at Anfield. Photo: Internet

Didn't the first leg between the two teams last season also end in a 0-0 draw, and even a top striker like Ibrahimovic failed to score? And didn't superstar Wayne Rooney take 11 years (2005-2016) to score his second goal at Anfield?

Lukaku's goal drought at Liverpool isn't such a big deal! Don't forget, Lukaku has scored 11 goals in 11 appearances for Man Utd. Few have done better than him at Old Trafford over the years.

Instead of criticism, let's give the £75 million striker the fair treatment he deserves. Manchester United's goals are heavily reliant on Lukaku's talent and form.

Thanh Hung