The fall from grace of Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku has really been spectacular. It’s not always prudent to use a positive word when describing a bad situation. However, it is hard to find a better fitting description of the forwards change in circumstances in the last year or so.

In his opening campaign at Manchester United after a big-money move from Everton, Lukaku produced a respectable 21 goals in all competitions. It was a decent return for an opening campaign with the Red Devils.

Last season it seemed to fall apart

Unfortunately for Lukaku, last season things seemed to turn sour. He came back after pre-season slightly overweight and fans were quick to point it out. The 26-year-old was certainly not in peak condition at the start of the season that is for sure.

The season saw Lukaku produce just 12 Premier League goals, his worse goal telly in three years in the top-flight. The fact he lost his place to England youngster Marcus Rashford in attack was a big factor in that relatively poor tally. The campaign showed just what can happen to a player when he loses form and seemingly confidence.

United are trying to move him on

Such was the poorness of his performances last season for United, that the Red Devils are reportedly attempting to sell the striker. They have been in negotiations with Italian club Inter for weeks over a fee for the forward, but the pair are too far away in their valuations of the forward. However, the Nerazzurri remain the favourites to be the forward’s next club.

Then recently Lukaku was linked with a move to Italian giants and champions Juventus as part of a deal involving Argentinian forward Paulo Dybala. Lukaku would basically be used as a makeweight in a deal for United to sign the forward. However, more recent reports now suggest that Dybala wants to stay in Turin.

Maybe Lukaku was overrated

Romelu Lukaku has never been scared of talking himself up. Arrogance is fine if you are delivering on the pitch. When you are struggling on the pitch you make yourself look very silly when bragging about your abilities. Earlier in his career, the forward received praise for his willingness to learn and take on advice.

At Everton, his biggest weakness was always his first touch. However, since he has moved to United it does not seem as if that weakness has improved. It is almost as if Lukaku decided he had made it as soon as he made the move to United. He whinged about wanting to leave Everton for a good while.

Lukaku thought he was bigger and better than the Merseysider’s. It turns out that maybe he should have stayed with the Toffees, as his time in Manchester has not exactly been outstanding. In fact, he has shown at United that maybe he was overrated and overpriced when he joined from Everton. The irony is that reportedly Lukaku now wants to leave United because he is not guaranteed first-team football.

Lukaku has very rarely delivered in the big games at United. However, he was the same at Everton. I don’t think he is the world-class striker United thought they were buying.

Maybe the best thing for everybody involved in the situation is if Lukaku moves on. However, there is a very real possibility that the forward may be at Old Trafford next season playing second fiddle to Rashford, as no club seem willing to meet United’s price for the striker.

Will Romelu Lukaku be plying his trade at Manchester United next season?