Jose Mourinho defends Romelu Lukaku goal reaction at West Bromwich Albion

Jose Mourinho has claimed that Romelu Lukaku's muted goal celebration against West Bromwich Albion could have been because of the striker's "love for the club".

The 24-year-old, who enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at West Brom during the 2012-13 season, opened the scoring for Manchester United in Sunday's Premier League game at The Hawthorns.

Despite finding the net in front of the away fans, however, Lukaku did not celebrate his second goal in as many games, which prompted criticism from fans on social media.

Speaking to Sky Sports News after the 2-1 win, Mourinho said: "I didn't celebrate too. Nobody was happier than me.

"Fifteen years ago I look at myself celebrating goals. With maturity you go into levels that you control your emotions better.

"Romelu was a happy kid at West Brom - maybe at the back of the mind it was his love for the club."

Lukaku has previously celebrated scoring against the Baggies while in Everton colours, including a somersault in the Toffees' 3-2 win at The Hawthorns in September 2015.