Lukaku has hit the ground running since signing from Everton in the off - season with six league goals in as many games.
He has also netted three times in European competitions as United have barely missed the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic .
Mourinho, who hailed Lukaku ’ s development since last working with the player during their time at Chelsea , said Lukaku must continue leading United ’ s line until Ibrahimovic ’ s return .
“ Without Zlatan, we cannot rotate the striker , especially because Marcus Rashford is playing also in other positions , ” Mourinho told the club ’ s website (www . manutd. com).
“ So , until the moment we have Zlatan , we cannot think about giving rest to our number nine , the same way we give (rest) in other positions . We cannot do that. ”
Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals in 46 appearances for the club last season but injured his knee ligament in the 2 - 1 Europa League win over Anderlecht in May .
The 35- year - old signed a one-year contract in the close season after surgery , but is not expected to return before the end of the year
The Portuguese manager said Lukaku had taken his opportunities well .
“ I don’ t want to speak about this progress . If I do that , it looks like we did something extraordinary in three months that he doesn ’ t have in the remaining years of his career , ” said Mourinho.
“ I don’ t think it ’ s fair . It’ s just a global evolution ; I think every step in his career , he got it , grabbed it with both hands .
“ It was always his dream to come to this level and since he ’ s arrived , I don’ t think he thinks another thing other than success . ”
The manager said Lukaku was coping well with the pressure of playing for the 20- times league champions .
United , who are on 16 points from six games on the back of Lukaku ’ s fine finishing, host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
Photo credit thesun uk
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