Jose Mourinho’s team has had a flying start in the Premier League this season. His Manchester United side have won both games and scored eight goals in the process. Recently, United have re-signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a one-year contract. Mourinho also signed Belgian international Romelu Lukaku earlier in the transfer window. These two big personalities will be nothing but motivation and competition for the other Manchester United forwards.
Manchester United Forwards – Who Will Play When?
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku has settled into Manchester United very comfortably, scoring three goals in his first two games. The Belgian will be Mourinho’s first choice striker during the season because of his proven Premier League record. Having lacked a big, strong number nine for a while, it is very unlikely we will see him make room for others. Lukaku can definitely handle the physicality of the Premier League. His pace and ability to drift out wide has been very valuable during the early stages of the current season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Despite coming to the tail end of his career, Ibrahimovic proved all doubters wrong last season. He was a crucial part to United’s campaign, scoring 28 goals in his debut season. The Swede was able to display his talent in its full light as he often single handedly carried the team through games. Although he had a great season last year, it seems unlikely that Mourinho will change the current team. However, he will be used as a super sub when in need of a goal due to his prior experience. There is no doubt that Ibrahimovic is still a class striker and will be used for the domestic cups as well as Champions League group games. During the knockout stages of the Champions League, Ibrahimovic may also be able to get some game time in the Premier League when Lukaku is being rested.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial
In what may be called a battle of the youth, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are both in contention to earn their spot in the first team. It seems as if Mourinho prefers Rashford at the moment, however Martial is definitely making his case off the bench. Mourinho does like playing two forwards, and this will only motivate them to work harder. These two both display similar traits – pace, good dribbling as well as a good footballing mindset. Playing in one of the world’s most competitive leagues, it will come down to the youngsters clinical finishing abilities.
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