Phil Neville is unconvinced by Jose Mourinho’s explanation that Romelu Lukaku didn’t celebrate against West Bromwich Albion because they’re his former club and insists he should be showing emotion when scoring for Manchester United.
The former Red Devils ace was ‘disappointed’ that Lukaku failed to celebrate a goal for the second game in a row, having also abstained from reacting to his goal against Bournemouth.
After the 2-1 win over the Baggies, Mourinho had suggested that Lukaku failed to celebrate his fabulous header as a mark of respect to West Brom.
‘Romelu was a happy kid at West Brom – maybe at the back of the mind it was his love for the club,’ he said.
But Neville believes that his attitude towards his former side was not the reason behind his cold response to finding the back of the net.
‘On Wednesday, I could half understand,’ he told the BBC.
‘I think there was still overspill from the disappointment of the [Manchester] derby and his performance, Romelu Lukaku.
“Scoring for Manchester United it is the greatest feeling in the world.”
Phil Neville wants Romelu Lukaku to show some emotion. pic.twitter.com/gsExsxgqmS
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 18, 2017
‘But today [Sunday], when you score a goal for Manchester United it is the greatest feeling in the world.
‘And what I wanted to see from him is: slide on your knees, kiss the badge, punch the air in delight, smile – show some emotion.
‘Today, I was disappointed he didn’t celebrate. I don’t know why he did it.
‘I’m not so sure it was the West Brom thing. He’s been back to Everton and celebrated so he’s obviously just going through a period where he’s a little bit disappointed, probably with the criticism that he’s received.’
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