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Man Utd EXCLUSIVE: The ONE suffering player Solskjaer can transform revealed by expert
MANCHESTER UNITED caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can drastically improve the form of Romelu Lukaku, because he’s faced a similar coaching challenge at former club Molde.
That is according to Norwegian football expert Ben Wells.
Lukaku is expected to return to Carrington at the end of the week after taking compassionate leave for Solskjaer’s first two games in charge.
The frontman was bought for £75million by The Red Devils last summer and enjoyed a respectable campaign, notching 27 times in 51 appearances.
But the Belgian striker has endured a tough season, scoring six goals in 22 games under Jose Mourinho, who eventually gave up on the 25-year-old.
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Solskjaer will play a certain way to suit [Lukaku]
His profligacy in front of goal alongside personal troubles have left the marksman in a rut, but Solskjaer, who joined United from Norwegian top-flight side Molde, could be the man to resurrect the explosive forward.
Himself a prolific goalscorer for United in his 11-year stint in Manchester, Solskjaer was described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the “best natural finisher” he ever managed, in the Scotsman’s 2013 autobiography.
There is hope among the Old Trafford faithful that Lukaku will find a new lease of life under Solskjaer, and Wells, who has watched every Norwegian top-flight game over the last four seasons, believes those supporters have reason to be hopeful.
“I think [Solskjaer] can definitely help [Lukaku],” the FootballRadar analyst told Express Sport.
“At Molde there’s a guy who left for [Red Bull] Salzburg, who was linked with United – Erling Haland.
“He’s an 18-year-old kid, a hugely talented guy. He plays so similarly to Romelu Lukaku, it’s unbelievable; left-footed, burst of pace, puts himself about.”
Haland scored 12 league goals in the 2018 Eliteserien season, which saw Molde finish five points short of top spot.
The son of former Manchester City defender Alf-Inge, Haland will join reigning Austrian champions Salzburg in January thanks to his development under Solskjaer.
“This season, Solskjaer got so much out of him,” Wells added.
“He played a system that really suited his style of play, as well. Given [Haland and Lukaku’s] similarities, I hope he can get more out of Lukaku than Mourinho did.
“With Lukaku, it’s also a confidence thing. If he can get that back... Solskjaer will play a certain way to suit him.
“Solskjaer’s a lot more personal. He's the sort of guy that would say to Lukaku: ‘We’re going to keep you in the team and get you back in form.’ It’ll be interesting to watch.”