How World Cup Hampered my United Form- Lukaku

Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku claimed that it was muscle put on ahead of the World cup that has affected his form.

The Belgian striker scored for the Red Devils in their 4-1 rout of Fulham, but has only struck 6 times in 15 games.

Lukaku also lost his starting spot to Martial and Rashford, but is determined to work his way back

Speaking on the situation, he said: “I added a little bit of muscle at the World Cup,

“I just felt great and I think I played great over there [in Russia], but when I came back it is a different style of football.

“In the Premier League I cannot play with the same amount of muscle as I do in international football.

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“When I came back I knew straight away, I cannot play in this style. I had to lose muscle basically. So you just stay out of the gym, drink a lot of water, eat a lot of vegetables and fish and it helps.”

Lukaku added: “I had good conversations with the manager in the last couple of days [before the Fulham game], when he told me what he wanted from me. And I know from my side I have to do better.

“I wasn’t playing with enough intensity or aggression. But against Fulham I think I played with intensity like everybody else did.

“After the World Cup, I think I was a bit tired. I had the same thing in 2014 after the World Cup, when I came back to Everton. I was really in a slump after that World Cup.

“I knew that, so I did a lot of tests with the medical staff to see what the problem was. Also I had a hamstring injury, which is something that never happens to me.

“I just had to train differently, working more on [injury] prevention in the gym and try to do more speed bursts in training which, for me, are the most essential.

“There was also a mental hangover from the World Cup because it was intense. It was really intense because we got so close to absolute glory.

“But now I think I am at a decent level again and ready to go again. I just keep looking forward and improving, trying to add to my game and to help the team to win.”