Romelu Lukaku is a flop for Man Utd and fans want him to go – but he’s Belgium’s all-time top scorer and a legend for his country

MANCHESTER UNITED and Belgium are both nicknamed the Red Devils – but for Romelu Lukaku that’s where the similarity ends.

For United, the striker often cuts a forlorn figure as the ball bounces off him out of play once again.

But for his national side, he is the special Rom, the all-time leading goalscorer with 48 in just 81 matches.

The contrast could not be more stark – whereas he goes missing for United, he turns up at the back post and crashes in headers when in the red of Belgium.

That header against Scotland was one of a double and means that in 2018/19 Lukaku, 26, has netted eight goals in just six matches for the Belgians – more than one a game.

Manchester United fans must wonder whether this is the same guy who bumbles around up front for them.

The £75million striker scored just 15 times for his club in 45 matches last season, a ratio of one in three that is not good enough for a top striker.

That led to him losing his place in the first XI.

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It’s got so bad that when a video of United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer practising his finishing surfaced, fans urged the Norwegian to ‘show it to Lukaku’.

He also vanished in a lot of the big games (PSG away aside) but often would stick it to the Premier League’s minnows, earning a reputation as a top-flight flat-track bully - Flattraku, anyone?

Lukaku seems to be open to a move away from Old Trafford, saying: “I have a contract with Man United. I'll speak with my club and my agent Federico Pastorello to make the best decision.

“I am going to enjoy my holidays with my family now. I know what I'll do, but won't say it. We'll see. If I expect a busy summer? Yes.

“I've had a difficult season at club level, lost my place and haven't played much. But that is a phase in my career and it will help me for the next step.”

There would not be many United supporters who would mourn his departure were Lukaku to head off to Italy to join Juventus or Inter Milan.

The Belgium fans, however, love him, unveiling a banner before the 3-0 win over Scotland that read '26 years old, already a legend'.

Having Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne teeing him up time after time must be heaven for Lukaku after his Old Trafford travails.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez is grateful his striker is so happy playing for his country, saying: “I just feel sometimes a bit sad when I don't see Rom enjoying his football.

“When he enjoys his football he's a lethal goalscorer.”

United fans will wonder whether they will ever see this Lukaku, or whether he will leave Old Trafford as a £75m flop.

Hero for Belgium, villain for Man Utd – Lukaku truly is a Devil in disguise.