Jose Mourinho questions Manchester United fans for not backing striker Romelu Lukaku: 'I would like the supporters to explain to me why they don't support him so much'

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Jose Mourinho has expressed his disappointment at Manchester United's fans for not giving their backing to Romelu Lukaku.

Mourinho used the club's television channel, MUTV, to make a pointed criticism of the reception Lukaku received during Saturday's win over Tottenham – when his decision to replace Marcus Rashford with Anthony Martial was also booed by a section of the support.

Asked about Lukaku's contribution, Mourinho said: 'I would like the supporters to explain to me why they don't support him so much because he gives everything.

Jose Mourinho has questioned Manchester United supporters' backing of Romelu Lukaku

He said he did not think it was fair if they only cheered him when he was scoring goals

Mourinho highlighted the effort Lukaku makes and the response from the supporters

'I think it is not fair when scoring the goal or not scoring the goal makes the whole difference. I don't think it is fair at all. So I'm a bit disappointed - but not with him. With him, I'm very pleased.'

This is not the first time Mourinho has admitted frustrations with the backing of the fans. 

'I don't understand when some people question,' he said after the game. 'Are they Red Devils?'

It capped a tempestuous afternoon for Mourinho, who made a shushing gesture - aimed at his critics - after Martial's winning goal.

Asked about his gesture following the game, the Portuguese said: 'Calm down, relax a little bit. Don't be so nervous, relax. 

The Portuguese boss faced jeers when he brought Marcus Rashford off for Martial on Saturday

Mourinho put a finger to his lips and hushed his critics after Martial's late winning goal

'Our two strikers were up against amazing central defenders today, some of the best in Europe.

'Martial plays the same position as Marcus but is more comfortable dropping in between the lines and driving with the ball as well as attacking space. I told him to do that when he came on and to play from Lukaku. 

'He was against three very good defenders but they'd had a hard match for 70 minutes.

'Maybe it was a lucky shot but his desire was good and the goal gives us two more points than 0-0. It was deserved.'