The Belgian scored two goals to lead the Red Devils to a vital win over Southampton on Saturday, but turned down the chance for a third late on
Romelu Lukaku has said he was happy to let Paul Pogba take a late penalty rather than go for a hat-trick in Saturday's win over Southampton.
Lukaku scored a pair of goals as Manchester United earned a hard-fought 3-2 win over Southampton at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils struggled to put away the Saints, with the visitors taking a first-half lead through a long-range Yan Valery strike.
Andreas Pereira and Lukaku gave United a 2-1 second-half lead before James Ward-Prowse equalised with a stunning free-kick in the 75th minute.
But there would be one final twist, with Lukaku grabbing his second goal to win the match for the home side in the 88th minute before Pogba's injury-time miss from the spot.
Following the match, the Belgian admitted United were not at their best but were happy to be taking home the three points nonetheless.
"We knew we had to win the game today and did it," Lukaku told the BBC. "Not our best game but we have to be happy.
"We created a lot of chances in the opening 10 minutes but won the game.
"I was focused on the win and help my team-mates. The manager gave me another chance today.
"We have to look one game at a time and are working hard on the training ground. We are ready for the challenge."
The Belgian had a chance to seal a hat-trick deep into stoppage time after Marcus Rashford was fouled by Stuart Armstrong in the box.
But, rather than take the penalty, Lukaku opted to hand the ball to team-mate Pogba, whose spot-kick was down the middle and stopped by a kick save from Angus Gunn.
Despite the miss, Lukaku had no regrets about giving Pogba the chance to score from the spot rather than try for a hat-trick himself.
"I am a striker and I wanted Paul Pogba to score the penalty," Lukaku said.
"He has been on a good run but he has been an important player for us and will bounce back."
Lukaku has now scored back-to-back doubles for United and will look to continue his strong form when United travel to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter.
PSG are carrying a 2-0 lead from the first leg at Old Trafford.
Naddlnru
218
if lukaku had taken the penalty and missed , you will be saying he was selfish bcoz he wanted a hatrick, if pogba had scored you will not be saying all this rubbish.
Baron217
167
lukaku doesn't get the credit he deserve his man United's highest goal scorer this season despite being on the bench most times under solsjkear and was the highest goal scorer last season.he deserves more praises than his getting
blankie
60
But Pogba always considers Lukaku as a great friend so I was kind of upset when Paul did not give the penalty to Romelu! 😕
Ahnaf77
51
This conversation is going on cuz Pogba missed the penalty.If Pogba had scored,no one would've even talked about this.Not even AF App.
jesusbaby
48
have you seen it now?many people will be judging players like they are on the field with them.if it is Lukaku wish for Pogba to take penalty, why should we judge Pogba for not giving it to Lukaku?