With Manchester United set to win the race for Romelu Lukaku, is he a better option than Alvaro Morata?

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The transfer market looked set for a shock, as BBC Sport claim that Manchester United have overtaken Chelsea in the race for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, having agreed a £75 million fee.

The reports indicate that the move will see United drop their interest in Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, with talks yet to produce any kind of agreement with the European champions for the Spanish international.

The Red Devils have operated slyly to capitalise on Chelsea’s interest in the Belgian to go under the radar in their move for the Belgian, but have they made the right choice in prioritising Lukaku as their top transfer target this summer?

The major advantage for Romelu Lukaku is that he offers a proven track record in the Premier League. With 85 goals in 186 Premier League games, having been near the top of the goal scoring charts ever since he joined Everton initially on loan in 2013. Each season, he has increased his return.

Morata managed the best return of his career to date with 20 goals last season, but that doesn’t compare to the 26 scored by Lukaku in five games more. Morata has shown his abilities in Serie A and La Liga but is yet to experience life in the Premier League.

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Jose Mourinho will also have considered which forward will be a better fit for the club. Given the varied style of play by both, Lukaku is likely to appeal. Mourinho has always preferred a strong and physical centre forward, with Didier Drogba the perfect example from his time at Chelsea.

Drogba is a player who Lukaku has looked up to and has looked to mirror his style on. His aerial strength make him a focal point for a side on the attack, with Mourinho’s side keen to use a direct style last season. Whilst Zlatan Ibrahimovic was exactly the kind of player required, Lukaku seems the perfect younger replacement.

Morata would have been a different kind of option, with more of a poacher’s style. Lacking the strength and physicality, something that may have been a concern for how he would adapt to the Premier League, he would not have been a like for like replacement for the Swede.

Manchester United do seem to have got the best man for the job. At £75 million, he won’t come cheap, but it is money that United have long set aside for a marquee signing this summer.

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