Normally - and for very good reason - fans start to panic when they learn that their star player could be out for a spell with an injury.

So you would probably expect Manchester United fans to worry, get down the church etc. upon learning Romelu Lukaku has hurt his ankle.

But they're not. Instead they're actually quite positive about the whole thing. And it's all because of the one and only Jose Mourinho.

Lukaku picked up an ankle problem during the Red Devils' 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend, and there were initial fears he had suffered ligament damage.

The Belgium international picked up an injury against Crystal Palace (
Image:
PA)

But a subsequent MRI scan put these fears to bed, meaning Lukaku could be back playing for Manchester United in their very next game.

But that doesn't mean to say he might still miss a couple of fixtures...

Lukaku is set to join up with his international teammates this week as Belgium prepare to take on Bosnia and then Cyprus three days later in World Cup qualifying.

MRI scans showed Lukaku did not suffer ankle ligament damage (
Image:
AFP)

Now Belgium are in the enviable position of having already progressed, meaning they are in the enviable position of being able to rest key players, like Lukaku.

The Belgium FA has already thrown into doubt the striker's fitness ahead of the two fixtures, saying: "The next days he will follow an individual training programme.

Lukaku could be rested for Belgium's two World Cup qualifying matches this week (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)

"It is however too early to state that he won't be match fit for the Bosnia and/or Cyprus game."

Now this all seems pretty routine, so why exactly are Man United fans feeling so positive? Well they think some Mourinho mind games are at play.

Jose Mourinho will be keen to have Lukaku start up front in the derby against Liverpool (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

The Portuguese, who is regularly frustrated by the fact his players have to take to the field so often, and travel about the globe, will be pleased to learn his star man is both fit, and also looks set to be rested by Belgium... especially when their next game is a huge derby against Liverpool.

It's a bit far-fetched to suggest Mourinho has in anyway orchestrated the series of events, but United fans certainly like the way things are panning out.

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