Report reveals training rifts that forced Solskjaer’s hand in Lukaku exit

Romelu Lukaku, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer TEAMtalk

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer became angered by complaints of niggling muscle injuries in training from Romelu Lukaku that led to the striker’s exit, according to reports.

Lukaku, who moved to United from Everton for an initial fee of £75million in the summer of 2017, was a key figure in his first season at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho.

However, his form took a turn for the worse last term and he fell down the pecking order under Solskjaer, eventually leaving for Inter Milan where he has rediscovered his goalscoring touch.

Belgium international Lukaku recently claimed that Solskjaer wanted him to stay at United, but the striker went on to express his belief that his time at the club was “done”.

According to The Times, however, Lukaku attempted to avoid being picked towards the end of his career with the Red Devils by complaining of minor injuries in training sessions.

The newspaper says that Solskjaer became frustrated and decided to give the green light for Lukaku to find a way out of Old Trafford.

The report adds that Solskjaer was unhappy at Lukaku for upsetting the dressing room, with the manager said to hold high the value of togetherness in his camp.

Lukaku boasted an impressive record at United, scoring 42 goals in 96 appearances.

He has taken his performances up a level at Inter, where he has netted 23 times in 35 outings.

 

 

United failed to replace the Belgian and winger Alexis Sanchez – who also moved to Inter – ahead of the current campaign, but Mason Greenwood has gone some way to filling the gap after his stunning breakthrough season.

What’s more, after Marcus Rashford was sidelined with injury, Odion Ighalo was brought in from China on deadline day in January and he has hit the ground running with four goals.

Rashford suffered a double stress fracture in his back but he has provided a positive update on his recovery.