Manchester United's fringe players have well and truly stepped up to the mark, following the different injuries that have hit the majority of the players, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has found a new leader in an unlikely form – Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku's triple brace for United – against Crystal Palace, Southampton and Paris Saint-Germain – has shown a return to form that he has always been capable of, but Lukaku's influence on an injury-hit team has stretched further than his goals.
Rashford had established himself as the preferred striker under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Lukaku had been limited to substitute and FA Cup appearances.
This was the first time since 2006 that a United player had scored twice in three consecutive games, yet Lukaku had two perfect opportunities to add to his tally and score a rare treble for United.
Fast-forward four days, and United were once again handed an injury-time penalty with Lukaku on a hat-trick.
Solskjaer can be credited for the improvement of many players, and Lukaku's transformation into a confident, selfless leader who excels in improving his teammates may arguably be his best achievement.
If the win at PSG cemented Solskjaer's credentials for the permanent manager's job, it may have also secured a future at Old Trafford for Lukaku as well – as United's newest leader.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
