Romelu Lukaku hints at shock Manchester United exit amid interest from Italy

Romelu Lukaku has admitted that he ‘hopes’ a move to Juventus happens, hinting that he is ready to quit Manchester United after just two years at the club.

Lukaku signed for the Red Devils in July 2017 for a massive initial fee in the region of £75 million, plus £15 million in add-ons. Understandably, with such a hefty price tag over his head, a lot was expected of the striker.

Although he did manage a respectable tally of 27 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions last season, the jury still remains out on Lukaku. Fans have been left unconvinced by his style of play and his finish and movement especially have come under criticism.

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He made a terrific start to life at Old Trafford last season, scoring 10 goals in his first 9 appearances, breaking the record of 9 in 9 set by the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton. However, things slowed down massively after that, and he ended the season with just 16 Premier League goals to his name – a far cry from the 25 goals he scored for Everton in his last season at Goodison Park that urged United to pay so much money for him.

This season, the 25-year-old has drawn a lot of criticism for his performances from fans and pundits alike. He has made a woeful start to the season, with just 4 goals in 11 appearances so far and it has left some supporters calling for him to be dropped from the starting XI in favor of Alexis Sanchez or Anthony Martial.

However, he looks a completely different player in the colors of his national side. He is already Belgium’s all time leading goalscorer at just 25 years of age, and while some have cited tiredness after the World Cup as the reason for his poor performances for United, it hasn’t hindered him while playing for his country. He has scored 5 times for his country since the World Cup.

Some believe that the discord in the United dressing room is affecting him too. Though he might have a decent relationship with Jose Mourinho, he is also best friends with Paul Pogba, who had an infamous falling out with the manager a few weeks ago.

Reports have linked Pogba with a return back to Juventus, and if his latest interview is anything to go by, Lukaku might even follow him there. When questioned about whether he would like to play in Italy some day, the Belgian spoke glowingly about the Bianconeri and their incredible signing of Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this summer. Speaking to Gazzeta Dello Sport, he said:

"‘Why not? I hope it happens.’‘Juve have a great project in place and they just keep going. Every year they try to get stronger.‘Without doubt, Juve are one of the two-three best teams in Europe.‘They’ve got a great coach on the bench and extraordinary players in every area of the team.‘ Cristiano Ronaldo stands out, but watch out for the others too. Paulo Dybala is already impressive and getting stronger, while I love Douglas Costa.‘He’s an exceptional signing and his career shows he always makes the difference.’"

While some fans have voiced their discontent at his blatant disrespect and lack of loyalty towards United with these quotes, some have also taken the news as hope that it would pave a way for the club to sign Paulo Dybala in exchange, or spend big on Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi.