Lukaku to Return Early to Help Depleted Manchester United, Says Mourinho

Romelu Lukaku has cut short his post-World Cup holiday and will return early to Manchester United as Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Belgium striker was initially expected to receive a longer rest period following his involvement at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

However, Mourinho said Lukaku had agreed to report back three days earlier than planned in an effort to be available for United’s opening league match against Leicester City on August 10.

England internationals Marcus Rashford and Phil Jones were also expected to return ahead of schedule.

Mourinho welcomed the decision as United continued to deal with injuries and the absence of several players who had been involved in the World Cup.

“We will have Victor Lindelof, who started training two days ago,” Mourinho said after United’s 2-1 pre-season victory over Real Madrid.

“Marcus Rashford, Jones and Lukaku are coming back three days early to try to be available for the team.”

The Portuguese manager also praised the effort of his senior players during United’s pre-season tour, although he said the friendly matches had offered little in terms of tactical assessment.

Mourinho said he already knew the qualities of experienced players such as Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez, while younger members of the squad still needed time to develop.

United had won two of their five pre-season matches and were preparing to complete their warm-up programme before the start of the league campaign.

Mourinho was also uncertain whether Anthony Martial would return in time for United’s final friendly against Bayern Munich.

The France international had left the club’s pre-season tour early to attend the birth of his daughter.