Under-fire Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has been "playing like a pussycat for most of the season" according to Match of the Day pundit Martin Keown.

The former Arsenal and England defender praised the performance of Lukaku in United's 4-1 win over Fulham as he found the net at Old Trafford for the first time this season.

But the Belgian striker has received plenty of criticism for his recent showings after going seven games without a goal until their recent draw at Southampton.

And Keown says Lukaku must now find more consistency in his game after finally getting back amongst the goals.

Keown has criticised Lukaku's performances this season (
Image:
Dan Istitene)

"He's played like a pussycat for most of this season," Keown said.

"If you get that tiger in the eye, and he's fired up, I wouldn't want to play against him.

"That's the challenge. Can he play like that every week?"

The Belgian found the net against Fulham on Saturday (
Image:
PA)

Lukaku was defended by Ian Wright, however, as the former Arsenal striker responded: "He's got a lot of stick this season but he's scoring at the same rate as he did last season.

"Against Fulham he just looked more enthused. He looked sharper and he looked like he's more hungry.

"I'd like to see him as somebody who keeps going, works hard for the team and the fans will get right behind him."