Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has explained his role in Eric Bailly's celebration at Swansea.

The Red Devils defender opened the scoring at the Liberty Stadium as United ran out 4-0 winners.

Bailly reacted quickest after Paul Pogba's header was saved to poke home from close range.

The Ivory Coast defender clutched the ball after his follow-up and appeared to try and make a beeline for someone on the touchline but was held back by the indomitable Lukaku, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In a post-match Instagram post, Bailly wrote: "What's up, Lukaku?" and the Belgian replied 'I tried to waste time', followed by crying with laughter emojis.

Bailly and Lukaku celebrate (
Image:
REUTERS)
Eric Bailly celebrates after scoring (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

During United's win over West Ham, Jose Mourinho was spotted telling Marcus Rashford to stay on the far touchline moments before he substituted him in what was an obvious ploy to kill time while 2-0 up.

Lukaku was among the United players who congratulated Bailly, who sarcastically referred to his prod as a 'great goal', on the team coach after the game.

Pogba, Lukaku and Ander Herrera all filmed the shy Bailly sat down and uploaded videos onto their Instagram pages.

Eric Bailly of Manchester United scores the opening goal (
Image:
Rex Features)
Bailly wheels away after scoring (
Image:
Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

Mourinho praised United's French-speaking contingent while discussing Anthony Martial's impact after the game at Swansea.

"We are using him well and he's coming with the right attitude and we had conversation about the future he has here," said Mourinho.

"I think he has a good connection on the pitch with Paul and Romelu. It's coming, it's growing in confidence. And, of course, two periods of 20 minutes and he scored two goals.

"He wants to play, of course, he wants to start. Of course, he wants to be selected for the national team. Of course, he wants to go to the World Cup. That's good. For me, it's simple.

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"I can't play Premier League, Champions League and cups with 11 players - I need a squad. He's working working really well.

"Maybe that little French language group we have - Fellaini, Paul, Lukaku - is a group he's very well integrated in now. They bring him up and his professional level is improving and working much, much better.

"We are happy. We have lots of hopes with him and he has to be happy now and can only improve."

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