Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said that he cannot give striker Romelu Lukaku a rest, despite the Belgian having featured heavily for the Red Devils this term.

Lukaku began his debut season at Old Trafford in brilliant form, and has netted in two of his side's recent Premier League games after a spell of poor form in front of goal.

The Belgian scored the winner against Bournemouth before helping his side to a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion. Mourinho, however, has insisted that there is no room for a rest for the striker.

"He has played 20 matches in the Premier League for 90 minutes," he told his pre-match press conference. "For any player that is absolutely incredible but if you are a central defender or holding midfielder, you can resist, survive.

"[Lukaku] needs a little rest. Has he been unlucky in our box in recent matches? He was in the picture - I'm not saying he was a direct influence - for some of the goals we conceded.

"The guy is fantastic for me and for the team. He gives absolutely everything and I have no criticism. "Can I give him a rest? No, I can't."

Lukaku's side host Southampton on Saturday after dropping four points in draws to Leicester City and Burnley respectively.