Romelu Lukaku’s style suits Manchester United not Chelsea, says former defender Danny Higginbotham

Danny Higginbotham believes Chelsea would need to change their style of play if they sign Romelu Lukaku whereas the Belgian would suit Manchester United perfectly.

For much of the window the Everton striker had been linked with a return to his former club but Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils’ have moved into pole position to sign the 24-year-old.

It now seems that a reunion with his former boss is on the cards for Lukaku and a deal of up to £100million could be completed in the near future.

However, former Manchester United and Stoke City defender Higginbotham is certain the title-winning Blues would have had to alter their style because of the difference between the Belgian and Diego Costa.

“I think that, when you look at the styles and how they like to play, it would have been interesting if Lukaku ended up at Chelsea because they would have had to change their style completely,” Higginbotham told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“If he would have been going in as a replacement for Diego Costa I think he’s a very different player than Diego Costa.

“We saw last season, a lot of the time, Diego Costa looked after the two centre backs - was dropping in deep at times - and created space for the two wide players either side of him to get in behind.”

While the Blues style may have had to switch, the former Gibraltar international thinks Lukaku could be the perfect solution for Manchester United.

Considering the forward’s skills, Higginbotham explained that the Everton man will fit in well at Old Trafford.

“The one thing you would say at times last year with Ibrahimovic - I thought he was absolutely magnificent - but the way that Manchester United played Ibrahimovic found himself quite isolated,” added Higginbotham.

“Players were dropping deep at times to defend and the gap between the players and Ibrahimovic was quite big because he hasn’t got the pace to get in behind.

“Whereas I think now, with Manchester United, there are a couple of things.

“If they do sign Lukaku it gives them the strength to be able to play more counter-attacking football - where Lukaku likes to play on the shoulder or can even give defenders a couple of yards head start.

“But not just that, if Lukaku is stretching the game, if you are playing against him, the last thing you want to do is leave space in behind so you drop deeper.

“What happens then is the opposition defence and midfield becomes more and more separated.”