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Manchester United's Red Rom is blue - so what will it take to get Lukaku smiling again?

Romelu Lukaku (centre left) after scoring the only goal against Bournemouth
Romelu Lukaku (centre left) after scoring the only goal against Bournemouth

When Romelu Lukaku struck what turned out to be the winner against AFC Bournemouth, Old Trafford fell expectant.

Whether it’s arms outstretched, chest being beaten, a slippery knee slide or the Usain Bolt, the Manchester United striker is the most photogenic forward around when it comes to goal celebrations.

The camera loves him, but it suddenly seems he doesn’t love anyone or anything.

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They say the rush of putting the ball in the back of the net can turn even the most sane mind delirious for a few seconds, the Belgian didn’t even smile.

Twitter was awash with reasons why he was so muted when often it’s difficult to drag the striker back to the half-way line for the re-start.

Tired? No. Sick and tired? Maybe.

Things just haven’t been right for United’s record signing since the goals started to dry up.

The 24-year-old looked to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders last night. Much of that would have to do with the ribbing he faced for his dreadful derby day with Manchester City last Sunday, where he missed chances and unwittingly set up Nicolás Otamendi’s settler.

Smiles better: Lukaku certainly knows how to celebrate – as he showed at Swansea back in August
Smiles better: Lukaku certainly knows how to celebrate – as he showed at Swansea back in August

Lukaku’s winner on Tuesday was only his second Premier League goal since September. Marry that up with how bad he performed as City put one hand of the trophy and the stick he has been getting ever since clues appear to why he didn’t offer a smile.

In terms of his mindset, perhaps his start to life in red and the way he trampled over all in front of him from the word go hasn’t helped.

For club and for country, Lukaku failed to score in only one of his first 13 matches. Just one goal before last night since, against freefalling Newcastle in a 4-1 win, has put the 24-year-old in a bad place.

The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Swedish breath on his neck hasn’t sparked him into life.

His subdued reaction to scoring has provoked plenty of debate. Has it all been getting on top of him? The finger of blame from some sections has been pointed at him for the fracas following the Manchester derby.


So what is it going to take to make Red Rom happy again?

The prosperous early season days seem to be as distant a memory as the warm afternoons, a winter revival doesn’t seem on the cards quite yet.

The return of Paul Pogba will no doubt help, missing since his sending off at Arsenal the midfielder will be refreshed for the festive fixtures.

A rest may help recharge Lukaku, with five games in 13 days for United there must be a temptation to leave him out against West Brom this weekend and allow him to catch his breath.