Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku says his goalscoring record should command more respect although he knows winning trophies will be what he gets judged on.
Lukaku made the switch to Old Trafford from Everton last summer for £75million and has been in impressive form in front of goal, netting 13 times from 27 Premier League appearances.
The Belgium international, who is expected to lead the line for his country at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, has also scored four times in both the FA Cup and Champions League, taking his tally in all competitions to 21.
Many have criticised the 24-year-old for not turning up in the bigger games but he appears to have put that debate to bed after grabbing the equaliser against former employers Chelsea on Sunday before setting up Jesse Lingard for the winner.
The Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners on home soil and that result lifted them back to second in the table on 59 points, two points ahead of long-term rivals Liverpool in third.
Lukaku’s goal was his first against the top-six Premier League clubs this season and he believes he has done enough in his career to be shown more respect. “I’ve been in the game for so long,” he said.
“I started playing when I was 16. Year in, year out, people expect 20 goals from me. I’ve been doing it for 10 years straight so I think I’ve proved myself.
“You expect a bit more respect but it’s the situation we’re in. I don’t listen to [the criticism]. I just want to improve and show the people what I can do on the pitch.”
United make the trip to Crystal Palace on Monday, March 5 and the visitors are 1.57 favourites to pick up the win, a draw is priced at 4.00 while the hosts are 6.50 outsiders.
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