Former Red Gary Neville has backed Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku to silence his critics in upcoming games against Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League.
Lukaku made a bright to start to life at Old Trafford with 11 goals in his first 10 games, his pace and power up top alongside the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford has caused opposing sides plenty of problems.
However, his last 11 games has seen the Belgian find the net just once but he has recorded three assists during that time and his work-rate has impressed United boss Jose Mourinho.
Neville believes Mourinho won’t be concerned by Lukaku’s lack of goals, while he noted the importance of the striker to United in the coming weeks.
The 42-year-old also admitted there would come a point where the former Everton man would struggle following his lightning start to the season.
“I don't think Jose Mourinho will be worried about Romelu Lukaku's lack of goals, but I think ultimately he's got two big games coming up,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“He was brought in to score goals in the games which United were drawing last season. However, it is in the big matches where they now need him most. If there is a way to get at Arsenal and Manchester City then it is by really going at their defences.
“For a striker, it is all about your goals and unfortunately, people will always measure him by that, but away from the goals his contribution has to be big, to mess their centre-halves about.
“He's had his struggles but ultimately that was always going to happen at some point after his blistering start, but this is a critical stage of the season where he has to deliver.
Lukaku netted three goals in four matches against Arsenal and City in the league last season, and he will be looking to strike once again in a bid to improve his recent goalscoring form.
While, the fit-again Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be pushing for his first start of the season during the hectic Christmas schedule, which could see the Swede partner Lukaku in attack at some point.
