Boots to blame for Lukaku struggles - Man Utd boss Mourinho jokes striker needs new deal
The Belgian striker opened the 2017-18 campaign in stunning form, with an immediate return offered on the Red Devils’ £75 million investment in his talent.
He has, however, endured something of a barren run of late, netting once in his last 11 appearances.
The 24-year-old drew a blank again in a 4-2 victory over Watford, with one gilt-edged opportunity to get him back on track squandered.
With his side not needing to rely on their big-money frontman to get the job done, Mourinho was in jovial mood after the game as he told reporters: "I think he needs a contract with boots because he doesn't have a contract with any brand.
"That's why he is playing with the black boots, he needs to be paid the right money so he goes back to goals but jokes apart he works amazingly well for the team.
"I would never blame him for the easy chance he missed with me he doesn't have that pressure, amazing player, amazing professional, I couldn't be happier with him.
United appeared to be in complete control of their meeting with Watford after racing into a three-goal lead by half-time.
They were, however, to be pegged back to 3-2 before a stunning individual effort from Jesse Lingard helped to calm their nerves and wrap up the points.
Mourinho concedes that things should have been a lot more comfortable for his side – with Lukaku not the only one to find his radar off in the final third – but the Portuguese also believes that important lessons can be taken from the clash at Vicarage Road.
He added: "I think we had mistakes, mistakes in the box and that cost us two goals, maybe is a good lesson and is good to have lessons without losing points.
"So the next time we are winning 2-0 or 3-0 I think the players will remember football is football."
