Lukaku’s chances of starting Sunday’s Premier League showdown with north-west rivals Liverpool appear slim.
United hero Andrei Kanchelskis, though, believes Jose Mourinho ought to stick with the former Chelsea and Everton hitman.
"Lukaku isn’t going to get his goal scoring confidence back if he’s dropped every game he doesn’t score in," Kanchelskis told Bwin.
"He needs to feel loved and be given time to get back his confidence.
Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho ordered to make TWO signings in January window (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho ordered to make TWO signings in January window (Image: GETTY)
"This is hard when he’s not sure of his position in the team from game to game.
"Mourinho has a proven goalscorer with Lukaku, but he doesn’t play to his strengths.
"Lukaku is an aggressive player with great strength, which makes him a handful in the area.
"If Man United start to get balls into the box, he will start scoring, but Man United don’t play with wingers and so they aren’t getting the most out of the striker."
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Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho ordered to make TWO signings in January window (Image: GETTY)
While Kanchelskis sympathises with Lukaku, he says United have not provided the support he needs to thrive.
And the former wideman has ordered United to splash the cash on a couple of players who can help the 25-year-old produce the goods.
"Man United have bought Lukaku for £90m, but have failed to buy players that will get the best out of him," Kanchelskis said.
"Man United need to bring one or two top wingers into the club who will work the opposition’s full backs and get balls into the box for Lukaku to attack.
Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho ordered to make TWO signings in January window (Image: GETTY)
"Man United need to stop focusing on bringing in a big name and start signing players that want to play for the club.
"This is a massive few months and they can’t go rushing in to a signing that doesn’t pay off."
United were linked with experienced wingers Gareth Bale and Ivan Perisic during the summer transfer window.
But Mourinho is thought to be prioritising a deal for a high-profile centre-back ahead of January.