Romelu Lukaku needs to carry on being himself despite pressure: Roberto Martinez

Lukaku must stick to his guns under increased demands at Manchester United, says Belgium coach Martinez

Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku has failed to find the net in his last seven outings for United Reuters

Roberto Martinez has stepped in to give Romelu Lukaku some advice amid a goal drought for the Manchester United striker.

After a blistering start to the season, the Belgian has failed to find the net in seven outings for the Red Devils.

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The drought has led to some criticism from sections of support and even led Jose Mourinho to publicly defend his player. Martinez, who called Lukaku up to the Belgium squad for upcoming friendly matches against Mexico and Japan, told the 24-year-old simply to continuing believing in himself. "I've got a big advantage with Romelu because I've worked with him for four years," he said in reference to his time managing Lukaku at Everton.

"I know Romelu inside out. I think he just relishes the challenge. He's been enjoying a really good start to the season and now is a period he is ready to cope with. I have no worries whatsoever. All he needs to do in his career is to carry on being himself in a club with the expectations and the demand of Manchester United," the Belgium manager said, as per the Metro.

Belgium play Mexico on Friday and Japan next Tuesday when Lukaku will have a chance to get back among the goals. The striker has scored on his three previous outings for the national side.

Lukaku told critics to judge him when he is the "finished article" after failing to score in seven matches across all competitions, following a stellar start to life at Old Trafford when he found the net 11 times in his first 11 games.

The £75m summer signing has received the backing of his former Everton and current Belgium boss Martinez, though, who insisted he is unconcerned by Lukaku's loss of form and defended the striker's resolute mentality, according to Sky Sports.

Lukaku's team-mate Marouane Fellaini has been left out of Belgium's squad due to a "medical decision", according to Martinez, despite the midfielder's appearance in United's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

Fellaini has been allowed to focus on returning to full fitness back in Manchester ahead of United's game against Newcastle on November 18.

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