Romelu Lukaku: Manchester United striker becomes Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer at 24

Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku became Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer during his national side's friendly win over Japan on 14 November.

The former Chelsea and Everton striker scored twice in Belgium's 3-3 draw against Mexico at the Heysel Stadium. He had drawn level with Bernard Voorhoof and Paul van Himst with 30 goals, following his brace on 10 November.

Lukaku's winner in the 72<sup>nd minute against Japan in Bruges was his 31<sup>stgoal for Belgium. His latest goal saw him become De Rode Duivels' all-time leading goalscorer at the age of 24. The striker has scored thrice in the two friendly fixtures for his national side.

His recent goalscoring form will come as a delight for United manager Jose Mourinho as Lukaku's last goal for the 20-time English champions came in the Old Trafford club's 4-0 win over Crystal Palace on 30 September.

Since then, he has failed to score in seven matches in all competitions, which include a goalless draw against Liverpool at Anfield and a 1-0 defeat against his former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Lukaku's return to finding the back of the net is likely to come as a welcome boost for United.

United legend Paul Scholes has said that Paul Pogba's absence due to injury was one of the reasons behind the dip in Lukaku's form. The France international midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in the Champions League win over Basel in September.

Pogba is expected to return to action when United take on Newcastle United after the international break on 18 November. His return could help Lukaku to get his name back on the scoresheet. The striker has also defended his seven-game scoreless run by hitting back at his critics, suggesting that he is far away from a "finished article."