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JOSE MOURINHO says Romelu Lukaku will never match Wayne Rooney. Everton’s Rooney returns to Manchester United for the first time tomorrow since leaving in July. He won 16 major trophies during a glittering 13-year career at Old Trafford and is the club’s record goalscorer on 253. New United hotshot Lukaku has six goals already but Mourinho said: “Wayne arrived earlier than
Romelu did in terms of age. I think Wayne spent probably 10 years of his career in a different Premier League than you have now; a Premier League where it was easier to score goals, not just because of the difference between the top teams and others, but also because of the profile and the tactical interpretation of the competition.
“I think this Premier League is much more defensive minded, and much more difficult.”
Mourinho insists Rooney deserves a warm reception from home fans tomorrow, but he has ordered supporters to also make life difficult for the 31-year-old.
He added: “I think he will get the welcome that he deserves.
“Sometimes in this country, the word ‘legend’ comes too easily. That’s not the case here. He is a real legend of this club.
“The number of appearances, the number of goals, the number of trophies. I think he is one of the most important players in the history of Manchester United.
“And I think the stadium will show him the respect he deserves, I hope, before and after the match, but not during the match.”
Mourinho has confirmed Paul Pogba will be sidelined for several games with a damaged hamstring sustained early on in Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League win over Basel.
But Mourinho says they have the midfield strength to cope.
“We have players waiting for an opportunity,” he said.
“There are good players more than ready to play. “Herrera, Fellaini, Carrick, they are waiting for a real chance to start matches. “We lost important players during crucial moments last season and we were not crying or making excuses about that. That’s just football. “Squads are (there) to try to cope with these kind of situations. We know that for a few matches we are going to play without Pogba.”