There were brighter individual moments for Lukaku, who netted four goals in the opening five league games, as well as a crucial early double away in France as Paris Saint-Germain were dumped out of the Champions League in March, a result that was seen as influential in Solskjaer being handed the job on a permanent basis.
However, the Norwegian’s preference for Marcus Rashford up front limited opportunities for Lukaku, who departed for Inter Milan that summer and went on to enjoy two hugely successful years in Serie A.
What is Romelu Lukaku’s style of play?
Part of the reason behind his renaissance was a new role in Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2, in which Lukaku operated off the target man striker Lautaro Martinez, allowing him to receive the ball to feet, turn and run at defenders. He has also been found advancing down the channels with his powerful dribbling ability, dragging defenders out of position and opening up spaces for team-mates, a role he has performed with the national team as the right-winger in a 4-3-3.
Another factor in the Antwerp-born attacker’s fine spell in Italy was an early intervention from the Inter medical team, who identified a previously unknown issue with his digestive system.