No criticism at all, Lukaku's not linking well- Jose Mourinho

The Belgian has not scored for quite sometime.

Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hosted a one nil defeat against Juventus on Tuesday and it added to the misery of the Portuguese manager. Speaking on the aftermath of the game, he admits the lack of goals from Romelu Lukaku are hurting the club.

The 6'2" striker has gone eight matches without scoring for the club, while his national form is tremendous, scoring two in the latest international break.  Mourinho was hesitant to criticise the 25-year-old, he conceded the forward is suffering from a serious goal drought.

It was a difficult night for the Belgian international against Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci who kept the striker in check almost every time. Mourinho said, "No criticism at all, a complete understanding the player is a fantastic pro that wants to give everything. But I have to agree his moment is not sweet, not just with the goals he is not scoring but in his confidence, movement, touch, he is not linking the game well with the team - but he's our striker and he's a good striker and a striker we believe in."

The Portuguese quipped, "He is a hard-working guy, one day the goal will arrive and the confidence will be back."

United welcome Lukaku's former club Everton to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League.

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On the other hand, Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus' coach insisted that the weak link in United was their holding midfield, Nemanja Matic. The Italian said, “Naturally we can play without Mandzukic, someone has to get into the box. It was important against Manchester United to keep the ball to ground and attack around Nemanja Matic."

Juventus play their next match against Empoli on Saturday.