Solksjaer tells Man United star Romelu Lukaku to get to full fitness
- Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has told Man United star Romelu Lukaku to lose weight
- The Belgium international was on target against Bournemouth at Old Trafford
- The 27-year-old is yet to get back into full fitness after recovering from injury
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has been told to get fit by caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.
The Belgian striker made his first appearance under the interim boss when he came on as a second half substitute and scored in the 4-1 win over Bournemouth.
The Norwegian boss said Lukaku has been given a free role in United's attacking frontline instead of playing as a natural No.9.
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The ex-Evrton striker scored 27 goals for the Red Devils in all competitions last season following his big money move from Goodison Park.
But Jose Mourinho's style of play often left the six-foot-plus striker isolated upfront which has left him with just seven goals this season.
The 25-year-old was granted compassionate leave and has fallen behind the rest of the squad in terms of match sharpness.
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And Solksjaer is excited by the prospect of working with Lukaku who is gradually getting back to his best ahead of 2019.
He said: “At times he's a good target man, but if you tell him to be a target man he'll never face the goal.
"Today (Sunday) he was side-on and he's got the attributes of a top, top striker.
"We need to work on his fitness, but I'm delighted.
“Even though he was half a yard offside (for his goal), it was a good finish."
Lukaku could make Solksjaer starting XI when they face Newcastle at St.James' Park after the New Year if Marcus Rashford fails to recover from a suspected groin injury.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the pair of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez need to look to Paul Pogba as an example and take responsibility for lifting up Manchester United performance.
Lukaku was granted compassionate leave by his club and has been absent from duties while Alexis Sanchez picked up a hamstring injury back in November.
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Source: Legit.ng
