Zimpapers Logo

MOSCOW. — Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho praised striker Romelu Lukaku for his humility and eagerness to develop after the striker scored twice in a 4-1 Champions League soccer win at CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night. Mourinho also hailed the “amazing” goalscoring efforts of Lukaku, but says it’s only possible with a good team around him. Lukaku took his tally to 10 in his first nine matches with two goals in the 4-1 win at CSKA Moscow in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday, bettering the record of club great Sir Bobby Charlton, who scored nine in the same number.

Anthony Martial was a standout performer, scoring a penalty and providing both crosses for Lukaku’s goals, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan making it four just after half-time. Substitute Konstantin Kuchaev scored a 90th-minute consolation for the hosts.

“He (Lukaku) is humble, he wants to learn all the time, he wants to improve all the time,” Mourinho said. “I think the ambition is there.” Mourinho said Lukaku’s numbers this season were “amazing”, attributing his success to his side’s solid performances. It’s a great achievement but it’s only possible with a good team,” Mourinho said.

“And the team is solid, the team is playing well. We start the competitions strong.” Lukaku, who signed a five-year contract with Manchester United in July, had rejected a new deal at Everton in March to reunite with Mourinho, under whom he played at Chelsea.

United, unbeaten this season and level on points with Manchester City at the top of the English Premier League, lead Champions League Group A by three points after convincing wins over Basle and CSKA. Mourinho’s side host struggling Crystal Palace, pointless and goalless after six English Premier League matches, tomorrow afternoon.

The United boss believes his team – shorn of seven senior players who did not travel to Russia because of injury – have been put at a disadvantage to some of their rivals. — Reuters.