Eric Bailly feels ‘lucky’ to play with Romelu Lukaku

Eric Bailly feels he is lucky to play alongside such a ‘great striker’ as Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United and believes the Belgian will find his scoring touch again.

After starting his United career with 11 goals in his first 10 appearances after signing from Everton for £75million, Lukaku has not found the net in his last five outings.

But he will have the opportunity to rediscover his scoring touch when United host Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Bailly in action during Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday

Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has gone five matches without scoring for United 

Speaking ahead of that match, Bailly said: ‘Romelu is a great striker. I have played against him but now I’m lucky to play with him.

‘He is very important for us and everybody can see how everything is going up for him. I hope he can keep scoring goals and helping us out.’

Jose Mourinho’s side have won all three of their group matches to date and can take another step towards the knockout phase if they defeat Benfica at Old Trafford.

United can take another leap towards the Champions League knockout stages with a win

Lukaku and Jesse Lingard joke around in training on the eve of their Champions League match

United require just a point against Benfica to ensure Champions League football after Christmas. 

They are currently second in the Premier League, some five points behind their title rivals Manchester City, but did defeat Tottenham 1-0 on Saturday.

Bailly added: ‘The Premier League is one of the best leagues with many good teams and we are getting good results.

‘But we must focus on ourselves and keep going. We are playing well and winning many games.’

United return to Premier League action with a trip to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.