CHELSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED Still got the
Agent in talks over Jose pay We are not worried about Rom... he is strong and will be back scoring soon ROM’S
JUAN MATA insists Romelu Lukaku is still doing the business for Manchester United – even though his goals have dried up.
And the Spanish midfielder is confident the goals will start flowing again soon for the £75million Belgium attacker – because his character is so strong.
The 24- year- old striker was banging them in for fun at the start of the season.
His new career at Old Trafford exploded with seven goals in United’s opening seven Premier League games and a total of 15 in 12 games for club and country.
But United’s goalless stalemate against Liverpool at Anfield started an unwelcome sequence of six straight games without scoring.
That forced Jose Mourinho into a public display of protection for his striker, following his assist for Anthony Martial’s late goal in the 1-0 victory over Tottenham, with the United boss labelling Lukaku “untouchable”.
And Mata has endorsed Mourinho’s stance with a show of support from the dressing room.
“Rom has a very strong character,” said Mata. “He has been playing at a very high level since he was very, very young.
“When we played together at Chelsea, I think he was 18 or 19.
“He had been scoring a lot of goals in Belgium before that, so I think he is used to that and it is not a problem for him.
“He is a positive character and I think that helps him. He is a good man who isn’t angry – even when the team wins and he doesn’t score.
“I am sure that he will soon be scoring once again.
“It is the same with Alvaro Morata at Chelsea.
“He was scoring a lot and has also gone six games without a goal.
“Strikers have different moments during the game, especially Rom, who is very strong and I am sure it will not affect him.”
Mata has won four trophies since his £37.1m move from Chelsea in January 2014 – but, so far, the Premier League crown has eluded him at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.
It’s an omission the 29-year-old playmaker would love to remedy.
Pressure
“Well, that is what we want and that is what I would love,” he said.
“I have been here a few years now and we have won four trophies, but I would love to win a Premier League.
“The reaction from the fans when we won the FA Cup and Europa League was incredible, so imagine them celebrating winning the Premier League.
“Thinking about that gives me goosebumps so, hopefully, we’ll do it for them.”
First, United have to secure victory at Chelsea today after being demolished 4-0 at Stamford Bridge a year ago on Mourinho’s first return in charge of the Red Devils.
But Mata believes this time the dynamic is different – although the pressure is on to stay with leaders Manchester City.
“I would prefer that City were not in the position that they are in,” added Mata. “But you have to think about yourself because, if not, you don’t win your games.
“Last season’s defeat at Chelsea is in the past – because we have so many new players and we have a lot more confidence.”