- Romelu Lukaku reveals his muscle gain after the World Cup affected his form
- The Manchester United striker scored two goals in two matches for United
- The 25-year-old added he had a candid talk with Mourinho about his fitness
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed he gained too much weight over the summer was the reason for his poor form on goal.
The Belgium international was forced to slim down in a bid to rediscover his form after failing to hit the back go the net in strings of matches.
It eventually paid off as the 25-year-old rediscovered his scoring form in two straight matches against Southampton and Fulham.
His strike against the Cottagers over the weekend at old Trafford makes it his first home league goal since March.
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Lukaku also added he had carried too much muscle after the World Cup and had to stay out of the gym to tone down to get back into shape.
“I had to lose muscle, basically,” said Lukaku. “So you just stay out of the gym, drink a lot of water, eat a lot of veg and fish. And it helps. Just training differently — more prevention in the gym and try to be more speed bursts in training and that’s, for me, the most essential.
“It was at the World Cup. I just felt great and I think I played great over there, and then when I came back, it’s a different type of style. When you’re in the Premier League, you cannot play with the same amount of muscle as in international football.
“That was something that when I came back I knew straight away: ‘Nah, nah. I cannot play in this style like this.’
“Also I had an hamstring injury, which is something that never happens to me.
“After the World Cup, I think I really was a bit tired. You know, I had the same thing in 2014 — when I came back to Everton I was really in a slump after the World Cup.
“So, now I think I’m at a decent level again and ready to go.”
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The ex-Everton striker scored 27 goals in his debut season in for the Red Devils but has struggled to hit the ground running this term.
After he was dropped to the bench for the first time in last October's 2-1 win against against his former Employers, Lukaku revealed a honest talk with Mourinho helped him regain his focus and sharpness.
“Me and the manager had good conversations in the last couple of days, where really he told me what he wanted from me,” he said.
“I know, from my side, I have to do better. So I just keep looking forward and improving, trying to add into my game and help the team to win.”
When asked what the Portguese manager said he was lacking, Lukaku revealed: ”Not enough intensity. I played with not enough aggression, I think.
“Today, I think I played with intensity — like everybody else did. For me, I was happy to play at a decent level again and now it’s all about improving and continuing on a consistent basis.”
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier revealed that Manchester United defeated Fulham by 4-1 at Old Trafford to move up to sixth on the table.
Three first half goals from Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku gave United an unassailable lead.
Abuobakar Kamara converted a spot-kick for Fulham but Marcus Rashford finished off an impressive victory for Jose Mourinho's side.
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