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Man Utd match-winner Romelu Lukaku explains why Paul Pogba took penalty vs Southampton
ROMELU LUKAKU has insisted that he wanted his team-mate Paul Pogba to take the penalty in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Southampton.
The Belgian continued his rich vein of form firing another brace to inspire his side to victory.
That’s now four goals in his last two games after scoring twice in the midweek win at Crystal Palace.
But many fans were surprised that Lukaku did not pick up the ball when United won a penalty in stoppage time.
It would have presented the £75million man the chance to complete his hat-trick and cap a fine afternoon.
Paul Pogba stepped up with his usual stuttering run-up and the Frenchman saw his spot-kick saved by Angus Gunn.
After the match, Lukaku answered the question on everybody’s lips.
“I am a striker and I wanted Paul Pogba to score the penalty, he has been on a good run but he has been an important player for us,” he said.
"We knew we had to win the game today and did it. Not our best game but we have to be happy.
"We created a lot of chances in the opening 10 minutes but won the game.
"I was focussed on the win and help my team-mates. The manager gave me another chance today.
"We have to look one game at a time and are working hard on the training ground. We are ready for the challenge."
The result sees United move ahead of Arsenal after they drew at Tottenham, into fourth spot.
Attentions now turn to the Champions League where United will look to pull off a miracle against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
The Ligue 1 leaders remain the only side to beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since his arrival in December.
Lukaku now has 12 Premier League goals this season which makes him United’s top scorer in the league.
Alexis Sanchez hobbled off on another miserable afternoon for the Chilean whose United future looks rather bleak.