Romelu Lukaku Responds To Claims Bulking Up For World Cup Affected His Manchester United Form

Romelu Lukaku has had his say on claims his poor run of form was down to him getting too big and muscly.

Back in October, plenty of Manchester United shared the view that Lukaku has been hitting the weights too hard, and reckon he needs to lean up ahead of the rest of the 2018/19 campaign.

They shared a comparison picture to what he looked like at Everton four years ago compared to his considerably larger frame this season.

After a difficult start to the season that has seen him score just six goals in all competitions, Lukaku has addressed the theory and confirmed he was told to bulk up by Belgium.

"A little bit of muscle, yeah," he said, as per The Guardian.

"It was at the World Cup. I just felt great and I think I played great over there, and then when I came back it is a different type of style."

Lukaku scored four goals as Belgium endured their best ever World Cup campaign and claimed the bronze medal in Russia.

Image: PA

But he says he is well aware of the need to shed that muscle for the demands of the Premier League.

"In the Premier League, I cannot play with the same amount of muscle as international football," Lukaku added.

"That was something that when I came back I knew straight away: 'Nah, I cannot play in this style like this.' I had to lose muscle basically.

"So you just stay out of the gym, drink a lot of water, and a lot of veg and fish and it helps."

Lukaku scored his first goal at Old Trafford since March when he found the net in the 4-1 thrashing of Fulham on Saturday and says he's feeling good again after previously suffering from fatigue after a long summer.

Image: PA

"After the World Cup, I think I really was a bit tired," the former Chelsea man admitted.

"But, you know, I had the same thing in 2014 after the World Cup when I came back to Everton, I was really in a slump after the World Cup.

"So now I think I am in a decent level again and ready to go again. I knew this. Me and the [United] medical staff, we did like a lot of tests to see what was the problem."

Will Lukaku surpass his tally of 27 goals this season?

Sound off in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Belgium, Football, Manchester United, Romelu Lukaku, Gym, World Cup

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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