Skip to content

Romelu Lukaku says he and Jose Mourinho have talked over his Manchester United role

"Me and the manager had good conversations in the last couple of days, where really he told me what he wanted from me."

Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring his side's third goal of the game

Romelu Lukaku says he is clearer on his Manchester United role after speaking with Jose Mourinho and believes he has finally emerged from his post-World Cup slump.

Lukaku scored 27 goals in an impressive debut campaign at Old Trafford but the 25-year-old has struggled to replicate that form this term.

But the 25-year-old ended his 12-match goalless streak for United at Southampton last weekend and then scored at Old Trafford for the first time since March in Saturday's 4-1 win against Fulham - their first win in five league games.

I know from my side I have to do better, and I just keep looking forward and improving, trying to add into my game and help the team to win.
Romelu Lukaku

When asked whether external scrutiny had weighed on him, Lukaku said: "No, no, not really.

"I think I just need to keep working hard. Me and the manager had good conversations in the last couple of days, where really he told me what he wanted from me.

Live Renault Super Sunday

"I know from my side I have to do better, and I just keep looking forward and improving, trying to add into my game and help the team to win."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights from Manchester United's win against Fulham in the Premier League.

Despite his manager coming under criticism this season, Lukaku insisted he would "go through a brick wall for him" last month.

Also See:

Asked what he was not doing well enough, the striker said: "Not enough intensity. I played with not enough aggression, I think.

"[Against Fulham] I think I played with intensity like everybody else did. For me, I was happy to play at a decent level again and now it's all about improving and continuing on a consistent basis."

Berba: Lukaku offers more than goals

Lukaku also says he has been looking to lose muscle, gained at this summer's World Cup where he scored four goals to help Belgium finish third.

Live Renault Super Sunday

"(I added) a little bit of muscle," he added. "It was at the World Cup. I just felt great and I think I played great over there, and then when I came back it is a different type of style.

"When you are in the Premier League, I cannot play with the same amount of muscle as international football here in the Premier League. That was something that when I came back I knew straightaway 'I cannot play in this style like this'.

Romelu Lukaku celebrates with Eden Hazard after extending Belgium's lead
Image: Romelu Lukaku scored four goals for Belgium on their way to a third-place finish in Russia

He added: "After the World Cup, I think I really was a bit tired.

"But, you know, I had the same thing in 2014 after the World Cup when I came back to Everton I was really in a slump after the World Cup.

"So, now I think I am in a decent level again and ready to go again."

Play Super 6
Play Super 6

Predict 6 correct scores for your chance to win £250K.

Around Sky