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Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho told to DROP first-team star if he does not perform vs Chelsea
MANCHESTER UNITED manager Jose Mourinho must drop his star striker Romelu Lukaku if he does not perform against Chelsea.
Marcus Rashford backed to replace Romelu Lukaku by Burley
That is the view of ESPN FC pundit and former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley.
Lukaku, like Manchester United, has not been in the best of form this season.
The Belgium international has scored four goals in 11 appearances so far this term but has failed to find the net in his last six outings.
His movement up front has also come under criticism from pundits and ex-players, with Burley saying Lukaku’s runs have not been good enough.
If Lukaku is not cutting it over the next game or two, he’s going to have to get him out of the team
United face a tricky set of fixtures in the next few weeks, with two games against Juventus and a trip to the Etihad to face league leaders Manchester City.
But the first game is at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on October 20.
And Burley says if Lukaku does not start performing, Marcus Rashford must be given a chance instead.
“He’s one of a number of United players I think that once Jose Mourinho goes will have to be outed by the new regime,” Burley said.
“He’s a good player but I think watching him lately he’s not making the right runs.
“I wouldn’t say he was a clever striker, he’s big and powerful of course he is.
“He does get his ratio of goals of course, the graphic there will say it’s against the weaker teams.
“He will get a chance against the so-called bigger teams because they’ve got some big games coming up.
Romelu Lukaku misplaces pass during Man United training
“But the other side of the coin is if he’s not playing well and he’s not making the runs, Rashford is a natural striker.
“They’ve got a replacement, yes he’s young but he’s an international.
“He’s got experience, he’s quick, he’s clever, he’s not frightened to try anything.
“If Lukaku is not cutting it over the next game or two, he’s going to have to get him out of the team. Simple as that.”