Manchester United

Jose Mourinho "disappointed" with Manchester United fans' lack of support

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 29 October 2017

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho urges fans to get behind each player, having been left unhappy with the level of support given to Romelu Lukaku.

Jose Mourinho has admitted that he was "a bit disappointed" with the lack of support given to striker Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United fans during the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Belgium international has seen the goals dry up in recent weeks following a blistering start to life at Old Trafford, failing to net in any of his last five games since the last international break.

Lukaku's latest blank came in Saturday's league win against Spurs as he once again struggled to get going against a top-four rival, leading to audible groans from the home stands after a couple of sloppy touches.

Mourinho was happy to see his big-money signing play a pivotal role even when not at his best, however, having flicked the ball on for Anthony Martial's late winner.

Speaking after the match, Mourinho said: "I would like the supporters to explain to me why they don't support him so much because he gives everything and I think it is not fair when scoring the goal or not scoring the goal he makes the whole difference.

"I don't think it is fair at all. So, I'm a bit disappointed - but not with him. With him I am very pleased."

Many also jeered when matchwinner Martial replaced Marcus Rashford, which again left Mourinho questioning his own supporters.

"I really don't understand some reactions why. Are [the fans] Red Devils? Sometimes I don't know because [Lukaku and Martial] work amazingly well," he added. "There were two strikers playing together against three top central defenders - the best we have in Europe - and their work was amazing.

"He scored with a bad shot but a bad shot sometimes can be a beautiful one. Sometimes [Martial] starts the match and his contribution is good. Maybe he is not scoring as many times as he does coming from the bench, but he is playing well, the same as Rashford, the same as Lukaku. I really don't understand some reactions why."

Lukaku has 16 goals in 18 games for club and country overall in 2017-18.