Spaking about criticism from Manchester United fans, Jose Mourinho said he was disappointed with the way the striker has been treated and claimed he has earned the right to demand respect from the Old Trafford crowd.
"The fans paid their ticket, they are free to express themselves the way they want to express," Mourinho said after Lukaku was subject of groans from the stands in United's 1-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday.
He insisted the Belgian striker deserves respect from the fans, despite not finding the net since September 30. "But my job is to protect my players and I think Romelu is one of the players that should be untouchable in terms of the respect from everyone," he said.
"It's not one goal or one ball that hit the post that can make Romelu's contribution below the top level, he's playing extremely well for us and I have to protect my players when I feel they deserve it," the United boss added.
"Romelu always deserves it because what he does for the team is fantastic, and playing football for a striker is not just about scoring goals. So, untouchable in my team and also in the support and respect he deserves from the fans."
"I don't think Lukaku is quiet at all," Mourinho concluded. "[Jan] Vertonghen and [Eric] Dier are some of the best central defenders in football."