Romelu Lukaku says Manchester United were ready for 'any situation' vs Liverpool
Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata suffered hamstring injuries
Monday 25 February 2019 05:58, UK
Romelu Lukaku says Manchester United's preparation enabled them to cope with losing three players to injury in the first 43 minutes of Sunday's 0-0 draw with Liverpool.
Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard came off injured in the first half at Old Trafford - all with hamstring problems - leaving a hobbling Marcus Rashford, who had an ankle problem, to play the whole game.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said it concerned him leaving Rashford on after being injured in the early stages and admitted it would surprise him if the striker featured against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Striker Lukaku, who filled in on United's right side defensively with Rashford unable to trackback, felt caretaker manager Solskjaer and his staff set the team in good stead for the game.
He told Sky Sports News: "I think the coaching staff did a good job of telling us the indications of how to play and we were prepared for any situation.
"We did well as a team and, from this performance, what we have to take is that we can fight in whatever circumstances.
"If a player gets injured we can always make sure another player comes in and does a job, so I'm happy."
Asked if Sunday's performance further proves the progress made under Solskjaer, he said: "Yeah, of course.
"Everybody's been talking about us being offensively a great team, but I think defensively we are doing a great job, as well.
"Look at how the defenders are playing. Chris Smalling coming in for the last three games and doing really well, so he raises the level as well.
"For the defenders the competition is great and for us upfront as well. We have to keep performing how we are and make sure whatever situation we have, we control the game and try to win."
