Wednesday 6 December 2017 05:54, UK
Romelu Lukaku's goal against CSKA Moscow ahead of the Manchester derby could be one of the most important of his career, says Jamie Redknapp.
United secured top spot in Group A of the Champions League after coming from behind to beat CSKA 2-1 with Lukaku scoring the equaliser.
The goal was Lukaku's first since finding the net in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United on November 18.
The striker has received criticism from some quarters as his close-range finish was just his second goal in 12 games in all competitions.
Ahead of the visit of Manchester City on Super Sunday, Redknapp thinks Lukaku's goal - in terms of what confidence it will bring - could be the most important of his career.
He told The Debate: "Make no mistake, that goal was as important as any goal that he has scored in his career, because that will give so much confidence ahead of the Manchester derby at the weekend.
"Jose Mourinho will be thinking of unleashing him against Manchester City because that was a big goal and a big moment for him."
Former Premier League striker Ian Wright agreed with Redknapp, citing the presence of the returning Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a key reason for why Lukaku needs to keep scoring to maintain his place.
"With all the talk of Zlatan Ibrahimovic coming back, whether they can play together, and with Lukaku missing chances recently, he needed that goal," Wright said.
"The hug from Mourinho gave him was one of relief after the little bit of pressure that was building.
"There's pressure because it's Manchester United and they have players that can come in if he's not scoring at the rate they want him to."
