Lukaku tells youngsters to grab chance in States

UNITED’S youngsters have been urged to ‘make a positive impression’ and ‘work for the team’ on this summer’s pre-season tour by Romelu Lukaku.

Jose Mourinho’s side fly out for their five-game tour of the United States on July 15 and the squad could include a number of fresh faces given several senior players have World Cup commitments.

Those involved in the latter stages of the tournament in Russia will join up with their club team-mates at a later date, and Mourinho has previously claimed United have ‘some young players who need to grab with both hands opportunities with their evolution’.

Academy coach Kieran McKenna’s promotion to Mourinho’s coaching staff can only help matters and Angel Gomes, Ethan Hamilton, Tahith Chong and Matej Kovar – among others – will be hoping to be in the mix.

And Lukaku, who made a big impression on United’s last tour of the US a year ago, has told them to make the most of the opportunity.

“I’d say just enjoy it. It’s very simple with the manager – if you train well, you will get the opportunities to play,” he said.

“I think Scott [McTominay] and Marcus [Rashford] are the great examples of that. If you work hard, you will get a chance to play.

“So for the guys that come in, I’d just say make sure you deliver a positive impression on the manager and that you want to work for the team because it’s all about the team.”