Ademola Lookman: 3 positives from Nigerian’s goal against Manchester United

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman ended his frustrating eight-game goal drought in style, scoring in Atlético Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

The 28-year-old came off the bench in the 71st minute at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and found the net eight minutes later, finishing from close range after Jonathan David’s effort was saved by Senne Lammens.

Lookman’s goal sealed a crucial victory for Diego Simeone’s side, who lost in their opening Champions League fixture against Liverpool before the International break.

3 positives from Ademola Lookman’s goal against Manchester United

After the game, Lookman spoke to CBS Sports Golazo about his goal, his manager’s instructions and the importance of the result.

“I’m very happy to score, and to come on and help the team is important. The guys put on a big performance before I came on, so it’s easy to come into the team and play,” the former Atalanta winger said.

Here are three positives from the Nigerian’s goal against Manchester United.

1. Lookman can rebuild his confidence after ending his goal drought

The clearest positive is that Lookman has finally found the back of the net again.

His recent struggles had become a talking point ahead of the Manchester United clash, with Simeone acknowledging that the forward was not performing at the level expected of him.

“Lookman is not where he wants to be, and where we want to see him, but he works every day to find that player,” the Atlético manager said before the game.

The goal against United does not resolve every concern about his form, but it gives Lookman something tangible to build on.

Coming off the bench and scoring in such a big game would have given the 2024 CAF Player of the Year a sigh of relief.

Lookman was one of Atalanta’s most influential attackers before moving to Spain, scoring a memorable hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final. Atlético will hope that his latest contribution marks the beginning of consistent form in the final third.

2. His goal extended Atlético Madrid’s winning run to five games

Lookman’s strike also helped Atlético complete a fifth consecutive victory across all competitions.

After losing 2-1 to Liverpool in their Champions League opener, Simeone’s men responded with league victories over Real Sociedad, Osasuna and Real Madrid before defeating Alavés. The 2-0 win over Manchester United extended that sequence to five straight victories.

For the Nigerian, contributing to a winning run is important at a time when he is seeking to establish himself more firmly in Simeone’s plans, and he acknowledged the collective effort behind the result.

“I’m very happy with the team’s performance,” Lookman said.

“We know how big of a win that is for us, and it gives us the confidence to head into the next game at the weekend.”

3. Simeone’s instructions show what Lookman can offer the team

Another positive was how Lookman responded to the instructions he received from Simeone.

The Nigerian was introduced as Atlético looked to increase their lead, and the manager wanted him to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

“The manager told me to bring energy, to also try to help the team defensively and offensively when I get the chance to,” the forward added.

His late contribution showed the value of that approach. He brought fresh energy to the attack, helped Atlético stretch the game and scored the goal that settled the contest, and could’ve added another but for Lammens, who was equal to the task.

The challenge now is consistency. One goal cannot erase Lookman’s difficulties over the past month, and he will need to build on this performance to get back in the starting XI after starting the two of Atlético’s last three games from the bench.