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Paul Scholes: Romelu Lukaku suffering from Paul Pogba absence at United

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has blamed Paul Pogba's absence and Henrikh Mkhitaryan's dip in form for Romelu Lukaku's goal drought.

Lukaku has gone six games without a goal after starting his Manchester United career with 11 in his first 10 appearances.

It is the striker's longest barren run for nearly 18 months, but Scholes insists the 24-year-old is not entirely to blame.

He told BT Sport: "I think if Pogba comes back he'll make a difference to the way they play.

"He links the team together and I don't think they have a good enough No. 10 at the moment and that doesn't help Lukaku either.

"Pogba will make a difference and be more positive. Lukaku is having to do a lot for himself but Pogba will make the difference. They are missing a player to knit the team together."

Pogba has missed the last 11 games with a hamstring injury.

After recovering in Florida, the France international has returned to Carrington but he looks unlikely to be ready for the trip to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea on Sunday.

Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, began the season with five assists in his first three games, but he has failed to record one since and was left on the bench for the 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield.

Scholes added: "I think the criticism came from the Liverpool game where his hold-up play wasn't great.

"I don't think Mkhitaryan helped him and he hasn't had much support since then.

"He has to be strong and use his frame and he does have to get better, but he does need support as well."