Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Graeme Souness thinks Man Utd will regret transfer decision - ‘Hasn’t got a weakness’
Manchester United may have signed Cristiano Ronaldo, but Graeme Souness isn't convinced by their decision-making behind the scenes.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal on Man Utd return in pictures
Manchester United will regret their decision to sell Romelu Lukaku, Graeme Souness believes. The Belgium international has scored three goals for Chelsea in as many matches since his move from Inter Milan. And he’s part of the reason why the Blues are considered the favourites to win the Premier League title.
Manchester United signed Lukaku back in the summer transfer window of 2017 after missing out on Antoine Griezmann.
The Belgium international hit the ground running at the club, netting 28 times in his maiden season under Jose Mourinho.
However, after scoring just 16 times the following campaign, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer then decided to cut him loose.
Lukaku was sold to Inter Milan, where he’d go on to establish himself as a San Siro hit.
Now back at Chelsea, the Belgian has enjoyed a fine start to life back at Stamford Bridge by netting three times from his first three Premier League appearances.
THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz
And Souness, speaking on Sky Sports, thinks United will regret letting him go.
“I don’t think Manchester United should’ve ever let him go,” he said.
“He seemed unhappy when he was there, and he’s come back a happy man.
“He definitely is a key man. Goals change games. If you have someone who can nick goals then all of a sudden you’re a different team.
“He hasn’t got a weakness. I’m not saying he’s brilliant at everything but he’s got no obvious weakness.
DON’T MISS
Man Utd set Kane price by Tottenham chief Levy ‘convinced’
“If you’re playing against him and you’re a centre-back you’re not going to enjoy it.
“I don’t think anyone will enjoy playing against him, he’s got a bit of everything in his game and he’ll be the difference for them should he stay fit.”
Lukaku previously said that he decided to leave United because of Solskjaer’s decision to deploy him out wide.
"I first learned to speak Italian whilst watching my brother Jordan playing for Lazio on TV," Lukaku told Corriere Dello Sport.
"Once I learned that [Ole Gunnar] Solsjkaer planned to put me on the wing, then I knew my time at Manchester United was over.
"One bad year can happen to everybody in their career.
“It was just done for me. You know what happened behind the scenes, it was just done. For me, it was done.
"It was a difficult situation where for myself I had to make a decision where I have to go somewhere where I can learn other aspects of my game and work with somebody that wanted me as well.
"Ole wanted me to stay, but I told him I was over. I didn't have the energy. All credit to him because he's been a man and he helped me make the move away."
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, hailed Lukaku after his goal against Aston Villa on Saturday.
“Today he was the difference, he adds another profile in our squad,” said Tuchel.
“He has the kind of personality and self-confidence, he knows what he’s up to, he wants to score and help the team, and he has the confidence and the composure to do it.
“They were two very difficult goals, there were no easy tap-ins and he made the difference for us to get three points today.
“He adds something to the group that we did not have in this capacity so far. So he was very, very good, and we are very happy.”