Romelu Lukaku has gone through a dry spell in front of goal
Those are the thoughts of BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand.
United put themselves on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
However, Lukaku, who has now gone six games without a goal, stepped aside twice for a spot kick.
The first was missed by Anthony Martial, while Daley Blind was chosen to take the second, of which he scored from.
And Ferdinand has questioned whether the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy or Alan Shearer would have ever done the same.
Romelu Lukaku consoles Benfica's goalkeeper at full-time
You think Ruud [van Nistelrooy] would have given two pens up? Alan [Shearer]? Not a chance on this Earth
Rio Ferdinand
“I’d have liked him to have demanded he took one of United’s two penalties against Benfica last week,” Ferdinand told the Sunday Times.
“Martial had the first, which was saved by Mile Svilar, then Mourinho wanted Daley Blind to take the second, but Lukaku should have grabbed the ball and faced the music afterwards.
“I wanted him to say: ‘I don’t care what the manager says, I’m the No 9 here, I need a goal, I need my confidence boosting, give me the ball’.
“You think Ruud [van Nistelrooy] would have given two pens up? Alan [Shearer]? Not a chance on this Earth.”
Ferdinand reckons Lukaku will get back to his best if Jose Mourinho provides him with more “ammunition” up front.
GETTY
Rio Ferdinand thinks Romelu Lukaku needs more support up front
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
He added: “I rate Lukaku massively. I played against him. He’s a beast.
“He’s an animal. He should be carrying defenders on his back into the goal — he’s that strong, he’s that powerful.
“He just needs the right ammunition and the right movement around him, which is why I think he’d thrive even more with Martial and Rashford playing off him in a three.”
United will look to keep applying pressure on City in the title race with a win away to Chelsea later today (4.30pm).
