LUK IS IN Rom finally ends Old Trafford drought

Lukaku chose the wrong side on which to shoot, leaving Rico with a routine save to his right. And Lukaku can still squander possession unnecessarily, as he did after the break, deep inside his own half, moments before the move that led to Fulham’s converted penalty that gave them brief hope of a comeback. But from the key role he played in United’s second goal, playing in Rashford to provide the assist for Mata, to his close-range finish for the third, this was the confidence-booster Lukaku needed. And it was telling Lukaku’s goal brought the most animated response from Mourinho, who high-fived his coaching staff on the bench after the successful execution of the corner-kick move, which was finished off by United’s No.9.

The impressive Diogo Dalot was the provider in the 78th minute, with Lukaku homing in on his cross on the edge of the six-yard box, until Rico intervened again to ensure the ball did not make its way through to him.

United look more potent with the pace and interchangeable movement of Rashford, Lingard and Anthony Martial, who was missing through injury against Fulham.

Lukaku, cumbersome by comparison, slows United down with his sluggish movement and faces a battle to re-establish himself as an automatic pick up front, despite this small step forward.