Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho calls for fan support after Romelu Lukaku chant scandal

JOSE MOURINHO has batted away questions about the Romelu Lukaku chant and called on Manchester United fans to support the club and players.

Jose MourinhoGETTY

Jose Mourinho's Manchester United take on Southampton this weekend

Manchester United fans have caused a stir with their Romelu Lukaku chant which has been deemed "racist" by anti-discriminatory body Kick It Out.

The club have since acted and warned supporters ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Burton Albion in midweek that action would be taken against any offensive behaviour.

Lukaku himself has called on fans to drop the chant and insisted he had always felt welcomed at Old Trafford and asked for "respect for eachother".

And Jose Mourinho has reiterated the striker's claims and batted away questions about the song at his pre-match press conference for Southampton.

"Don't ask me that question," he said.

"I ask the fans to support the club and the players."

Fans chant explicit song about Romelu Lukaku

Romelu LukakuGETTY

Romelu Lukaku has asked fans to move forward after the song

Lukaku has swiftly become a fan-favourite at Manchester United following his move from Everton this summer.

His six goals in as many games led to the chant, sung to the tune of the Stone Roses' track Made of Stone, to be created.

And the Belgium striker admitted he knew no offence was meant by the supporters.

"Great backing since I joined Manchester United," he tweeted.

"Fans have meant well with their songs but let's move on together. #RespectEachOther.”

United take on Southampton tomorrow afternoon at St Mary's (3pm) and despite Saints' tricky start to the season, Mourinho is expecting a tough test.

“Southampton is the kind of club that are very stable in the way they play and in the way they see football, the qualities of their players,” he said.

“I think it’s a good team to be a manager of.

"Honestly, I think it’s a very good club to be manager of.

"And I see the match tomorrow as a very difficult match.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?