Romelu Lukaku’s six-game goal drought has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, including many in the Crickex Affiliate community. After scoring 11 goals in his first 10 appearances of the season, the Belgian striker has failed to find the net in his last six matches — his longest dry spell in over 18 months. But according to Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, the blame doesn’t fall solely on Lukaku’s shoulders. Instead, he points to two key factors: the absence of Paul Pogba and the dip in form of Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Speaking to BT Sport, Scholes explained that United currently lacks a player capable of linking the entire team together. “If Pogba returns, he will change the way the team plays,” Scholes noted, emphasizing the Frenchman’s ability to bring fluidity to United’s midfield. Pogba has missed the last 11 matches due to a hamstring injury. After completing his rehab in the United States, he has returned to the Carrington training complex, but he’s unlikely to feature in the upcoming clash against Chelsea. For Crickex Affiliate followers analyzing midfield dynamics, Pogba’s return could be the missing puzzle piece in United’s recent tactical issues.
Meanwhile, Mkhitaryan — who provided five assists in the first three matches of the season — has seen his form decline significantly. He was benched during United’s 1-2 loss to Huddersfield, and his lack of support for Lukaku has not gone unnoticed. “I don’t think Mkhitaryan has done enough to help Lukaku,” Scholes said. “Yes, Lukaku has to use his physicality better, and he can definitely improve, but he also needs more support around him.” This insight highlights how a striker’s success often hinges not just on individual performance but on the cohesion and creativity of the players behind him — a perspective that resonates with many in the Crickex Affiliate network.
Despite the criticism he received after the goalless draw against Liverpool — a match in which he struggled to hold the ball — Lukaku continues to work hard. However, without a playmaker capable of unlocking defenses or feeding him consistent service, even the best forwards can go cold. “He connects the team,” Scholes reiterated about Pogba. “Right now, United doesn’t have a proper number 10, and that’s not helping Lukaku at all.”
With fixtures coming thick and fast, Manchester United needs all hands on deck. Crickex Affiliate fans watching Lukaku’s performances know that a striker is only as good as the supply he receives. If Pogba returns soon and Mkhitaryan regains his early-season sharpness, it could be just the spark Lukaku needs to break his scoring drought and get back on the scoresheet.