Manchester United’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku is expected to be out for a week, boss Jose Mourinho has said.

The Belgian forward, who has scored 15 times this season, had played every minute in the Premier League before being taken off on a stretcher against Southampton on Saturday following a clash of heads with Wesley Hoedt.

That ruled Lukaku out of Monday’s trip to his former club Everton, and he is set to be absent for the FA Cup third-round tie with Derby County on Friday too.

Speaking prior to the clash with the Toffees, Mourinho told Sky Sports: “I would say a week (out for Lukaku).

“It’s nothing really important – just a little protection, but no problem.”

There are 10 days between Derby’s visit to Old Trafford and United’s Premier League home clash with Stoke, when Lukaku may be available again.

Luckily for United and Mourinho, Lukaku wasn't needed on Monday evening, as the Red Devils overcame his former club at Goodison Park thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard in the second half.

The 2-0 win was United's first win in five matches, following a period of unimpressive draws against the likes of Leicester City, Burnley, and Southampton, where Lukaku picked up his injury.

Mourinho's men are now 12 points behind Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, but the Citizens have a game in hand, which means they could extend their lead to 15, with just 16 games remaining.

City are still yet to lose this season in the Premier League, and after Crystal Palace missed a last-minute penalty at Selhurst Park, it looks like City have the skill and the luck needed to go a whole season unbeaten.

It was very reminiscent of Ruud van Nistelrooy's missed penalty against Arsenal at Old Trafford, which was during the Gunners' invincible season.

Lightning to strike twice?