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Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku targeting further improvement against Real Madrid

The Belgian has so far impressed in United’s pre-season games but is looking to go one better in tomorrow night’s clash at the Levi Stadium

Samuel Lovett
Saturday 22 July 2017 13:05 BST
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Romelu Lukaku joined United for £75m earlier this month
Romelu Lukaku joined United for £75m earlier this month (Getty)

Romelu Lukaku has made a bright start to life at Manchester United, netting two goals in his first three games at the club, but is determined to show he can deliver against the game’s best sides - starting with Real Madrid on Sunday.

The Belgian, who made the move to Old Trafford earlier this month for a staggering £75m, has so far impressed in United’s pre-season games but is looking to go one better in tomorrow night’s clash at the Levi Stadium, Santa Clara.

Speaking to United’s club website, the 24-year-old said he is relishing the prospect of taking on the Spanish and European champions as he looks to improve under manager Jose Mourinho.

“Like the manager says, for us it is going to be a good training session and a good workout to see how we are improving and getting his concepts," he said.

“They are going to be tough opponents but we are here to work hard, to get fitter and to get better as we get closer to the new season.

“I am really delighted with the work that we are putting in. We are working very hard. The manager is putting his tactical concepts to us and we are doing very well on the pitch. We want to continue like that.”

United have won all three of their pre-season fixtures so far, beating LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake and Manchester City, but face their toughest challenge yet against Zinedine Zidane’s side.

For Madrid, Sunday’s game gets their pre-season tour underway before further glamour ties against City, Barcelona and the MLS All-Stars.

United midfielder Paul Pogba outlined his desire to take on a team of Madrid’s calibre as United ramp up their preparations ahead of the 2017/18 season.

“The big games keep on coming,” he said. “The players in the manager's next team want to play against the best.

Lingard praises new team-mate Lukaku

“We want to play against the best, we want to beat the best and we want to become the best.”

Lukaku echoed the sentiment of his new team mate. “A big club like Manchester United always want to play against the best clubs and win as well,” he said.

Romelu Lukaku in action for United in their second pre-season friendly of the US tour (Getty)

“We are working really hard and we are doing our best to keep the momentum going, and that is the main goal.

“The manager is helping us through it as well. We are really hungry and working hard to get even better. We are doing the stuff right, hopefully we are improving and we can take it into the season as well.”

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