That is the view of Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson.

Lukaku scored the only goal in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

The Belgian’s first-half header turned out to be enough for all three points but his reaction to the goal was very subdued.

Lukaku has received criticism of late, having only scored three in his last 15 games in all competitions, but Mourinho has publicly stuck by his summer-signing.

However, Thompson reckons Jose Mourinho may have had a word with him and warned him Zlatan Ibrahimovic is nearing full fitness and wants his place back in the side.

“The way Jose’s criticised a lot of his players, we’re not privy obviously to what goes on behind closed doors, but has he maybe questioned him in the dressing room and said ‘Ibra’s getting nearly ready’," Thompson said.

“He’s not been shy has he Jose in picking out players and having a go at them and making it public. 

“But was that maybe a reason behind it and he’s thinking ‘you’ve been a little bit harsh on me’. 

“Can I just say as well, in his defence, some of the service that this lad has been getting has been absolutely shocking. 

“Long-balls, coming up here somewhere, trying to control it and trying to sort of bring other players in when the quality of the pass has not been good enough.

“There’s a little bit of that, it’s not all his fault.”

Lukaku is set to start for Manchester United against former side West Brom in the Premier League clash at the Hawthorns tomorrow (2.15pm).