Lukaku: Mourinho deserves respect for keeping it 'real'

Cape Town - Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has voiced his support for manager Jose Mourinho, stating that he deserves respect for being honest.

READ: Mourinho faces unbeaten Watford test

Mourinho has come under pressure in recent weeks following United's disappointing start to the Premier League season which included defeats to Brighton and Tottenham.

Some have questioned the Portuguese tactician's often confrontational approach when speaking to the media, but Lukaku believes Mourinho should be given credit for speaking his mind.

"People need to appreciate that, at least there are people who are real in this world like him. Because most managers in the league, when they are not happy they try to find a way to seem happy," Lukaku told the BBC.

"You should respect that he wants to keep his personality and not shy away from confrontation. He wants us to improve. He's a normal guy... he's cool with everybody."

Mourinho also hasn't been shying away from openly criticising his players, but Lukaku believes footballers have become too sensitive and should be able to deal with criticism.

"Sometimes footballers, we get soft. If I listen to players from back in the day and now, a manager cannot say what he wants to a player because you feel attacked," he added.

"But I don't feel attacked, because that's who I am - I am a tough man, but that doesn't come from football, that comes from my background.

"My relationship with him (Mourinho) is cool. He makes me laugh, he makes the players laugh, he's a real family guy. He fights for his players, but he's real."