5 reasons that suggest everyone is being too harsh on Romelu Lukaku

#2 The 'lone' striker - literally

Lukaku for Manchester United in 2017-18

It is no secret that Mourinho emphasizes defensive solidity over free-flowing attacking football. This "pragmatic" approach that he enforces on his players is very often questioned by pundits and fans alike.

For almost two decades, this formula has guaranteed his teams remarkable success and he remains a master of this trade.

This becomes evident particularly against the big teams when Mourinho prefers to sit back, absorb the pressure and catch the opponents on the counter-attack.

Now, a scapegoat for this approach is Lukaku who needs the support of his teammates and depends on good service from them to a great extent. Most of the time, he has to go up against the two central defenders all by himself and a lack of options around him results in the ball being dispossessed.

Yes, he needs to improve on his hold up play and use the power he is blessed with to bully his markers, but a serious lack of runners off the ball or teammates in the close vicinity does not help the cause.