Romelu Lukaku: Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho says striker is 'untouchable'
Last updated on .From the section Football
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku should be "untouchable" from fans' criticism, says manager Jose Mourinho.
The £75m summer signing from Everton, 24, scored 11 goals in his first 10 games - but none in his last five.
"What he does for the team is fantastic and to play football for a striker is not just about scoring goals," said the Manchester United boss.
"I think Romelu is one of the players who should be untouchable in terms of respect from everyone."
The Belgium forward, sold by Mourinho while he was Chelsea manager, drew his fifth blank in a row against Tottenham on Saturday - but did set up Anthony Martial's winner.
After that game Mourinho was not happy with a perceived lack of support for Lukaku from the Old Trafford crowd.
"For me, he is untouchable in my team and I think he should be untouchable in the support and the respect he deserves from the fans," Lukaku's manager added.
United host Benfica on Tuesday in the Champions League knowing a win could take them into the knockout stages if CSKA Moscow fail to beat Basel.
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How's Ryan Gigg's cat, by the way. I heard it was ill.
And didn't Pogba go shopping yesterday? Any news on what he bought?
Come on BBC, get your act together!!
If anything, a player that has been bought for such huge sums of money and earns an absolute fortune should be the opposite? Need to earn the respect.
Yes, a great football player, but a silly statement from Jose.
He’s lazy, inconsistent, and it becomes clearer as time passes he misses far too many big chances.
Untouchable my rear end. Don’t mug off the fans you arrogant twit.
United are not the same without Pogba and even Fellaini - my money says they will be flying again when particularly Pogba returns.
Berbatov was seen to be a lazy footballer but still gave 110% on the pitch.
I'd be more concerned if the manager of the club I supported had such a blinkered vision of one of his players. But that's Jose, only special (and interested) in his own opinion, nobody else's. Am I allowed to say that?
But no player can be wrapped in cotton wool though, Jose.
Does Mourinho honestly believe that Lukaku is above criticism? If he does then he's utterly deluded!
Mourinho, the Donald Trump of football managers :-)
As for you, BBC, please please please stop with the ManU love-in. It's grotesque.