Romelu Lukaku is unhappy at Manchester United and feels he's being undermined by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Summer-buy Lukaku has not celebrated his last two goals for the Old Trafford giants, in this month's games against Bournemouth and West Brom, and MirrorSport can reveal his discontent with fellow striker Ibrahimovic is a significant factor in his current mood.

The Belgium international assumed the mantle of United's main frontman, which the Swedish superstar wore last season, when he joined from Everton in July for £75million.

Lukaku keeps it low-key after the only goal against Bournemouth... (
Image:
Getty)
...and it was more of the same at West Brom last weekend (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty)

But he feels Ibrahimovic has refused to accept his status as the club’s No 9 since returning last month from a serious knee injury that had kept him out since April.

Lukaku still starts the big games for United, but has complained that Ibrahimovic has tried to take over his central striking role when he has come on as a substitute, telling him to move out wide.

Video Loading

The former Goodison Park star is disgruntled that manager Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff have not pulled up Ibrahimovic, who is famous for having a huge ego, about this behaviour.

Lukaku, 24, feels aggrieved — especially as he showed the older man respect by asking for his blessing to take over the No 9 shirt in July.

He did not need to do this, as Ibrahimovic was out of contract and technically not a United player at the time, and believes the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star should now show the same respect back.

Lukaku’s resentment towards the 36-year-old is contributing to his dip in form — he has managed four goals in 10 games since Ibrahimovic returned, compared to banging in 11 in his first 10 matches.

Video Loading

He feels agent Mino Raiola, who represents both men, could do more to help and suspects the Italian is siding with Ibrahimovic because they have worked together far longer.

Lukaku is also annoyed with pal Paul Pogba.

After holidaying with the France midfielder in California in the summer, he feels Pogba has now gravitated towards Ibrahimovic.

Video Loading

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also unhappy with Raiola.

He believes the agent should be publicly backing him - as he did with Pogba when he initially struggled last season - while he remains out in the cold under Mourinho.

poll loading

Should Romelu Lukaku stop sulking and celebrate scoring for Man United?

5000+ VOTES SO FAR