Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku is currently going through something of a dry spell after he netted 11 goals in his first 11 Manchester United games.

Signed for £75m from Everton in the summer, the 24-year-old has now failed to score in his last six outings and Jose Mourinho has been quick to jump to his defence.

The Portuguese manager, who will also be facing his former club Chelsea on Sunday, recently admitted he was "disappointed" with the supporters treatment of Lukaku.

“I would like the supporters to explain to me why they don’t support him so much because he gives everything and I think it is not fair when scoring the goal or not scoring the goal makes the whole difference," said Mourinho.

"I don’t think it is fair at all. So I’m a bit disappointed – but not with him. With him [I am] very pleased.

“The fans are the fans. The fans pay their ticket and they are free to express themselves the way they want,” he said. “My job, when I feel they deserve, is to protect my players and I think Romelu is one of the players that should be untouchable in terms of the respect from everyone."

Lukaku is expected to start at Stamford Bridge on Sunday but the former Chelsea man but does not boast a fantastic record against them - or any of the big clubs.

He's managed two goals in seven fixtures against Chelsea, with both goals coming within five minutes of each other in a 2016 FA Cup 6th round tie.

Speaking in the build-up to Sunday's fixture, Lukaku admitted goals are not his main worry - despite his barren spell in front of goal.

He's been heavily criticised by opposition fans for his first touch but that is not the aspect of his game he hopes to improve either.

"I think a lot of people are judging me as the finished article," Lukaku said.

"I'm 24 - you can't judge me as the finished article. I'd rather have a year where I improve, improve, improve rather than going straight to the top and then declining.

"I know I have a lot of talent. I can do a lot of stuff, score goals with my left, right and head. But I want to be a creator - I want to have more assists. I want to make sure when my team is having difficulties they can count on me.

"I'm on the perfect stage and the perfect age. I want to be a winner and take my career to the next level."

Lukaku wants to be a "creator" but it's hard to envisage him ever being employed as anything other than a number nine.