Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has slammed Jose Mourinho for his management of Romelu Lukaku this season.
The burly Belgian striker has been in woeful form for Manchester United so far this campaign, scoring just four goals in 15 appearances in all competitions, with his last goal coming against Watford all the way back in mid-September.
Speaking about the 25-year-old’s woes in front of goal, former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino has slammed Jose Mourinho’s handling of the player, comparing it to the way Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has used Eden Hazard sparingly at times to aide his recovery.
“I watched Belgium play Brazil in the quarter-finals and it was clear that Romelu and Eden were giving their absolute all,” he told The Times.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hazard work so hard in a game.
“Sarri realised that Hazard needed a rest so he took him out of the firing line.
“The same cannot be said for Jose’s management of Lukaku.
“The striker came on as a substitute in their opening match against Leicester City but then played every minute of their next 12 matches, despite his form wavering and him looking short of fitness.”
United are back in action on Saturday afternoon, where they will face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, but could be without Lukaku who is struggling with an injury,