Jose Mourinho Says He Is Concerned About Romelu Lukaku's Recent Form

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said he is worried about Romelu Lukaku's recent form and discussed the possibility of replacing the striker in the first XI. 

The Belgium international has struggled for his club in recent weeks, and on Tuesday night in the UEFA Champions League he was easily marshaled by Juventus duo Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

Mourinho was asked about Lukaku after the 1-0 loss and whether he has concerns about the way he is playing, per Metro:

"Yes. No critics at all, a complete understanding that the player is a fantastic professional that wants to give everything for the team. But I have to agree that his moment is not sweet and not just with the goals that he's not scoring.

"Also with his confidence, his movement, his touch, he's not linking the game well with the team. But he's our striker. And he's a good striker, and he's a striker that we believe in."

Mourinho also spoke about possibly utilising Marcus Rashford, who has been playing on the right flank recently, at the point of the attack. The Portuguese appeared sceptical about that move, though, saying "then I don't have a winger because in this moment we are in this difficult situation."

Still, Lukaku is enduring the toughest spell of his United career, having joined from Everton in the summer of 2017. Tony Scott of the Liverpool Echo put his struggles into perspective:

Throughout his career he's been fuelled by the confidence that comes from scoring goals. When he's confident he can be a force of nature up top, whereas at the moment there's something absent from his game.

Journalist Daniel Harris is doubtful as to whether the forward will be able to make the grade at Old Trafford:

Mourinho doesn't have a huge amount of options, although something different in the final third may liven United up.

If he doesn't want to move Rashford he can call upon Anthony Martial. The other option is Alexis Sanchez who, despite his torrid time at Old Trafford since joining, was brilliant when leading the line for a spell at Arsenal.

Mark Ogden of ESPN FC believes the latter deserves a run up top:

Lukaku has proved himself to be a consistent goalscorer in the Premier League in recent years. While he does need to improve his own levels, with United struggling for attacking fluency there's a lack of service to the player too.

With Everton to come on Sunday, Mourinho will hope the prospect of taking on his former employers will galvanise the striker into a big performance. If it doesn't, perhaps the manager will need to consider an alternative.