Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 7y

Michael Carrick backs Romelu Lukaku to handle pressure at Man United

Romelu Lukaku has been warned there is no place to hide at Manchester United by his new captain Michael Carrick.

Lukaku made his first United appearance as a second half substitute during the 5-2 win over LA Galaxy on Saturday night. But the £75 million striker was upstaged by Marcus Rashford as the teenager scored twice and could have completed his hat trick before half-time.

Jose Mourinho insisted afterwards the Belgian had "played better than the ones who did score goals".

But Carrick has told Lukaku will have to learn to deal with the level of expectation at Old Trafford, echoing comments made by former United captain Wayne Rooney on Sunday.

"It's early days," Carrick said. "It's one week's training and 45 minutes, so you can't come to any conclusions. We know what he's all about, there's no surprises.

"We all know exactly what he brings, that's why he's here. He's not going to change his game because he's come here. He does what he does best and obviously he's been brought here to score goals. I'm pretty certain he will do that this season.

"He'll be judged like anyone else on what he does through the season and I'm sure he's ready for that. The scrutiny and everything will go up a level from what he's used to. I'm sure he's prepared for that and I'm sure he will do well."

Lukaku will be expected to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored 28 goals before his season was ended early by a knee ligament injury.

Carrick did not want to compare Lukaku with the previous No. 9, but the new United captain accepts the former Everton man will be judged on the goals he scores.

He added: "Ibra was terrific for us but Rom is his own man. When I came it was Roy Keane who came up but I'm my own man. Whoever comes in, you're always your own man. I don't want to compare them at all because it's not fair to do that.

"It's a jump anyway. I found that myself coming from Tottenham. It's a massive jump. You can't really explain to people until they've gone through it. I'm sure he'll find the same.

"But having Premier League experience is a massive bonus. He'll know how things work week to week. It's just about dealing with the pressure."

United have spent more than £100 million already this summer to sign Lukaku and defender Victor Lindelof, who also made his debut against LA Galaxy. Mourinho said in the build up to the game he wants two more signings to complete his squad.

Carrick admits the aim next season has to be to win the title. He said: "We've got to feel that. It's up to the manager whether more players come in or whether they don't. That's not for us to worry about. That's got to be the aim.

"We have to challenge the best and be the best. It has to be that philosophy at this club no matter what happens. This season is no different.

"We finished last season with a trophy. We've got a good feeling going into this one. We've got the Super Cup coming up pretty quick, so we've got to be focused on that really and then the season ahead."

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