Up to Sarge to marshall the troops

ROMELU Lukaku believes Jose Mourinho has come to view him as Manchester United’s “sergeant” on the pitch.

The Belgium striker has played a central role in helping United come from behind to win in their past two Premier League matches, against Chelsea and Crystal Palace, and maintain their push for Champions League qualification.

Lukaku netted an equaliser against Chelsea before setting up Jesse Lingard for the winner in a 2-1 victory last month, and he also drew United level at Selhurst Park on Monday before Nemanja Matic hit a stoppagetime goal that earned a 3-2 win.

Liverpool arrive at Old Trafford today when Mourinho’s team will hope to strengthen their grip on second place with a win that will move them five points clear of their Merseyside rivals with eight league games to play.

And Lukaku, who has scored eight goals in his past 11 matches, says he has a “soldier mentality” that appeals to Mourinho.

“I think the manager in his mind thinks that I’m like his sergeant on the pitch, and that’s strange for a striker because it’s usually the midfielders,” Lukaku told Thierry Henry, in an interview for Sky Sports. “I’ve always worked hard and I’m grateful but at the end of the day, I’m a striker and I have to score goals.”

Lukaku scored 11 times in his first 10 games for United, but managed just four in his next 20 appearances before returning to form.

United, meanwhile, are relaxed over the future of Anthony Martial. Talks over a new contract for the France forward began in December and have not advanced, but the club remain optimistic about reaching an agreement.

Martial’s existing deal expires at the end of next season, although United have an option to extend by a further 12 months to June 2020. —