This is why I joined United

Romelu Lukaku is relishing the chance of facing one of Europe’s top sides, as Manchester United prepare to host Juventus on Tuesday evening.

The 25-year-old is still getting used to these high-profile Champions League clashes after joining the Reds in 2017.

Before moving to United, the striker had previously only played in the qualification rounds of Europe’s elite competition, but is now shaping up for a showdown between two of competition’s biggest sides.

“It’s why I signed for this club,” he told MUTV.

“I want to play in a magnificent stadium in front of these fans. I dreamed of it as a kid and now is my opportunity.

“It’s a good challenge to see where I’m at and also where the team is – how we perform against the top defence in Europe right now.”

It’s not just opposition defenders that Lukaku is ready to face - the Belgian admitted he has always been an admirer of Juventus' former United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I’m 25 and grew up watching him [Ronaldo] play and improve and transform to the player he is,“ he said.

“So, for players of my generation and younger, we should look up to that and see what hard work can bring you.

“I watched the game the last time when he came here [with Real Madrid in 2013]. He was really received like a legend is supposed to be.”

The United hit-man was frustrated to drop points last time out against Chelsea, but was encouraged by the side’s performance, especially in the second period.

“We’re all disappointed because, in the second half, we were always on top in every aspect of the game – passing, going forward and creating chances,” he added.

“We showed what we can do against maybe the best team in the league at the minute. We have to improve to start games with the same intensity we did in [the second half of] this game.

“We’re really playing like in the training sessions and small games. This it how it goes every single day.

“We’re encouraged by the manager and the training staff – they’ve changed everything behind the scenes. It takes time to click but, now everything starts clicking, I think there are good times ahead.”