MANCHESTER United manager Jose Mourinho praised the work ethic of striker Romelu Lukaku following his side’s win against Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The 24-year-old has looked frustrated in recent weeks as his early season goal-scoring form — which saw him score 10 in his nine appearances, breaking the record set by Bobby Charlton who scored nine goals in his first nine games for the club — has dwindled. He has scored just once in his last 10 games.

And despite being involved in winning the corner that eventually led to Lewis Dunk’s own goal, Lukaku’s disappointment at not scoring himself was caught on social media, the Belgian kicking out twice at one of the opposition players, which wasn’t spotted by referee Neil Swarbrick.

But Mourinho insists that he is happy with the contribution of his £75m summer signing. “In the last minute he was fighting and running back like it was the first minute. So I think it’s also a question of mentality,” he said.

“The way Romelu wins the corner for the goal. The way Romelu ends the game making tackles in the left back position. That’s the mentality I want but unfortunately not every player is the same. 

“Players are men and men are different. Men are unique cases and some guys are capable of going to the limits of their effort and some other guys with a lot of talent don’t manage to do that. 

“Romelu for me is fantastic. Today he didn’t score but I don’t care.”

The victory over Brighton saw United extend their unbeaten run at home to 39 league and cup games.

Despite a below-par performance, Mourinho was both pleased and surprised with the attitude of his team. 

“I am happy with the three points and I am happy with the attitude of the team that didn’t play well,” said the Portuguese.

“The attitude of a team that didn’t play well is honestly quite a surprise for me.”

Next up for United is a trip to Watford tomorrow night, where they will be hoping there isn’t a repeat of last season’s fixture when the Hornets inflicted a 3-1 defeat on the Red Devils.

“Watford have made progress,” said Mourinho. “They have an unusual squad for a mid-table team. I think they have a squad of very good players that isn’t normal for a mid-table team. They have a good coach and have improved from last season.”