ROMELU LUKAKU EXPRESSED his delight after scoring in Manchester United colours for the first time since arriving from Everton.
It was a night to remember for £75million signing Lukaku, who opened his United account in Monday’s 2-1 pre-season win over MLS outfit Real Salt Lake.
After making his debut during last week’s 5-2 rout of LA Galaxy, Lukaku went one step further at Rio Tinto Stadium, putting United ahead six minutes before half-time.
“Obviously, I’m here to score goals and be a focal point for the team,” the Belgium international told MUTV.
“At Manchester United, we play to win. That’s my first mentality when I get onto the pitch. Then everything else comes with it.”
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Premier League giants United did not have it all their own way after falling behind in the first half and seeing Antonio Valencia sent off with 22 minutes remaining.
Troubled by RSL’s pace, United conceded in the 23rd minute before Henrikh Mkhitaryan equalised six minutes later.
Mkhitaryan then turned provider for Lukaku as United ended the match with 10 men after Valencia was bizarrely shown a straight red card for a tackle from behind – the referee had initially awarded a foul before consulting manager Jose Mourinho.
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Mourinho revealed Valencia was red-carded after he refused a request from the referee to substitute the Manchester United full-back.
Valencia was introduced at half-time but he lasted only 15 minutes after a late tackle from behind on RSL’s Sebastian Saucedo, who was involved in a heavy challenge on Juan Mata only moments earlier.
Referee Allen Chapman initially awarded a free-kick but the MLS official then suddenly brandished a red card after speaking with Mourinho on the sidelines.
“I think the delay was because the referee asked me to change the player and I didn’t,” Mourinho told reporters.”Because I don’t agree with the card. Because Saucedo, I think is the name of the boy, he was really aggressive during all of the second half, with what happened to Mata and some other actions where it was a bit dangerous, which I understand.
Young people, enthusiasm playing against Manchester United, but you come with the mentality of a friendly match and in the end you find yourself in a different mentality.
“But it’s pre-season, no problem and also a good experience for us to play with one player less. “Mata has a big ankle but I hope nothing important. A few days, a week maybe.”
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