Bharath Rammr
Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts to watch Everton star Romelu Lukaku. José Mourinho managed the Belgian international for a short period when he was at Chelsea. Lukaku spent the majority of his time under Mourinho on loan at other clubs. Lukaku felt unhappy at not being given an opportunity at Chelsea, while Mourinho defended his decision saying that the then-youngster should not expect to walk into the first-team; it was the classic confrontation between a highly talented youngster and a manager with supreme authority.
Lukaku ended up losing the fight and he joined Everton in 2014 for a club record £28 million. Since the move, though, it is understood that the player is keen on playing in the Champions League. At 23 years of age, his motivation to be in the pinnacle of European football is clear. Even after the arrival of new owners, Everton remains far away from being capable of challenging for a top-four place. Lukaku is concerned that he is fast losing time to establish himself as a top Champions League player.
It seems that the player is now desperate than ever before to secure a transfer to a top club so much so that he even considered a potential return to Chelsea quite seriously in the summer. United have reportedly made him a transfer target after receiving the go-ahead from Mourinho. Scouts reportedly watched Lukaku’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, United are set to offer a new contract for young defender Tim Fosu-Mensah. The youngster emerged from the ranks during the time of Van Gaal and he continues to make good progress even under the new regime. Fosu-Mensah is now the second choice right back – behind Antonio Valencia – and he has been reportedly awarded for this progress with a new contract worth around £25,000 per week.
The 18-year-old, though, is yet to make a league appearance this season. He has featured in the Europa League and the League Cup. Last season, he made two league starts and featured in a further six as a substitute.
United’s forgotten man Bastian Schweinsteiger looks no closer towards returning to the first-team action. He was spotted training on his own during the international break. Schweinsteiger has been faced with this scenario for quite a while, but the midfielder refused to leave Old Trafford in the summer. If he had been hoping for a second look from Mourinho, it is yet to arrive and this may force him to consider his options in the upcoming January transfer window.
There has been reported interest from Chinese super league clubs, who may be ready to offer extravagant wages for the World Cup winner.
