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Image by soccer.ru (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Romelu Lukaku enjoyed a prolific 2017/18 campaign for Manchester United, notching 27 goals in 51 appearances for the Red Devils. Jose Mourinho was full of praise for the Belgium striker throughout the campaign and United are likely to build around the striker once again as they bid to lift the Premier League title for the first time since 2013.

Lukaku appeared to enjoy being tasked with leading the line as United's main man last year and the Old Trafford faithful will be expecting a similar return in 2018/19. Marcus Rashford could see a more prominent role in attack but Lukaku's name on the teamsheet is not under threat just yet. Mourinho knows just how important the Belgian is to United's style of play.

Red Devils Must Be More Clinical in Final Third

United struggled in front of goal at times last season and Mourinho came under scrutiny for his negative approach in certain fixtures. The Red Devils will need a slight change in mindset if they are to topple Pep Guardiola's side next campaign. Lukaku will be looking to score 25+ in 2018/19 and United may need that kind of figure to seriously compete for silverware.

The Belgium striker got his World Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a brace in the 3-0 victory over Panama and United fans will be keeping a close eye on his form throughout the tournament. Lukaku, tipped by many to win the Golden Boot award this summer, looks destined for success and it would take a brave man to back against Roberto Martinez's side on current form.

As of June 21^st, Belgium are currently sitting pretty at the top of Group G on goal difference and Martinez's men will take some stopping in their pursuit of glory. According to the latest World Cup betting markets, Belgium are now 8/1 to go on and lift the Jules Rimet Trophy for the first time and bettors will be quietly confident after their solid start to the tournament.

Form Is Temporary, Class is Permanent

For United fans though, Lukaku's individual efforts will be of greater concern. He was hungry for goals in the opener with Panama and Red Devils supporters will be backing Lukaku to go on and enjoy a successful competition. Winning the Golden Boot award would be fantastic but just scoring goals and building confidence is important as United try to claw back the 19-point deficit to arch-rivals Manchester City in the title race.

Image by soccer.ru (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Romelu Lukaku is a supreme talent; he is easily up there with the top strikers in the Premier League. Manchester United will be relying on his goals in the battle for supremacy at the top of the table and the Old Trafford faithful will be expecting big things. Carrying a solid run of World Cup form into the upcoming domestic campaign will do his chances of enjoying a prolific season no harm whatsoever – and it might be enough to tip the title race in United's favour come next May.