Romelu Lukaku says Manchester United 'well prepared' for Tottenham FA Cup semi-final after Bournemouth win

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Vaishali Bhardwaj19 April 2018

Romelu Lukaku believes Manchester United's win over Bournemouth was the perfect preparation for the club's FA Cup semi-final clash against Tottenham on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho made seven changes to his starting XI that took on the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium after United lost 1-0 at home to rock-bottom West Brom at the weekend - a defeat that handed rivals Manchester City the Premier League title.

And the Belgian, whose strike on Wednesday means he has now scored more goals this season (27) than any other in his career, admitted the victory was important ahead of United going to Wembley to take on Spurs in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Photo: REUTERS
REUTERS

Speaking to BT Sport, the striker said: "At half-time the manager told Paul (Pogba) to keep making those runs, he did and played a perfect pass which I was able to finish off.

"It was really important that we won today and now we’re well prepared for this weekend. As a player you always want to play and you always have to be ready."

Smalling echoed Lukaku's views, and admitted the United players needed to prove to Mourinho that they deserve to start against Spurs.

He said: "We all knew we weren't good enough against West Brom and we needed to stand up tonight and put on a performance. You could see the lads were up for it.

"Quite often when I get my goals they come in a few games. It was nice to contribute in that way as well.

"Our goal for a little while now has been to make sure we get to the FA Cup final. This is the perfect way to lead into the weekend."

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