Fantasy Premier League managers have been stung by a lack of production from Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian hasn’t scored a goal in his last four matches for the Red Devils, although he has tallied two assists in that time.
Romelu Lukaku fantasy decline
Manchester United have won just once in their last four Premier League fixtures. The team’s poor run of form has coincided with Lukaku’s inability to find the back of the net. Lukaku managed just one shot on target in the Red Devils’ 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Sunday.
The Belgian’s form has influenced a large number of fantasy managers to part with him from their squads ahead of gameweek 12. It is a perfectly sane decision to transfer Lukaku out, especially if managers are buying Alvaro Morata, Harry Kane or Sergio Aguero in his place.
Is there hope for Romleu Lukaku?
Although it is doubtful that Lukaku has already burnt himself out, Manchester United’s form in the Premier League should be worrying to fantasy players. Jose Mourinho has a tendency to play defensive in games against top rivals. The team’s matches against Liverpool and Chelsea were proof the team won’t be too expansive on the road. Sure, Lukaku did score five points against Tottenham, but the team played more aggressively. Spurs didn’t have Kane in the starting XI, and the threat Tottenham posed didn’t frighten Mourinho.
Lukaku also posted five points against Huddersfield, a team that greatly overachieved at home against Manchester United. The same return he posted against Spurs.
Manchester United’s next three matches should, on paper, see the club win handily. Newcastle, Brighton and Watford are to come after the international break. Newcastle doesn’t score a lot of goals, nor do they conceded many. Brighton have been better than expected and could be stubborn at home against the Red Devils. Watford shouldn’t offer much at Old Trafford.
Although Lukaku’s form should worry fantasy managers, he should be able to overcome it with a favourable run of matches to finish off November.
Romelu Lukaku key stats:
- 7 goals in 11 matches
- 3 assists in 11 matches
- 1 yellow card
- 18 shots on target