Mourinho: We need to score more goals

With 22 goals netted in 14 fixtures across all competitions, the Reds have averaged less than two goals per game so far this season, despite managing to grab three against both Newcastle United and Young Boys. 

A third strike proved elusive against Chelsea, however, and the manager cited that recent 2-2 draw as an example of his team not killing off opponents. 

"We obviously need to score more goals," Mourinho told reporters in a press conference ahead of Saturday's match at Bournemouth.

"We were punished against Chelsea for not scoring the third goal and we could [have scored it]."

The manager believes the answer to the problem needs to be found collectively, rather than relying solely on individuals.

“In terms of goalscoring, I think everything is about the team," he said. "I don’t like to say we don’t score goals because our strikers aren’t scoring. I think it’s about globality, about the team."

"We went to the 96th minute against Everton [before winning 2-1] because we didn’t score the third, the fourth, the fifth [goal] before that. So yes, we need to score more goals, but I think, for the team with more confidence and for the players individually with more confidence, the goals will arrive."

Mourinho also reiterated his recent point about not being concerned by Romelu Lukaku’s recent lack of goals. The Belgian international, who scored 27 times in all competitions during his debut season with the Reds, has four goals to his name so far this term after the first three months. 

On the United striker, Mourinho said: “Lukaku doesn't score, I think, for nine matches. Do I think in the next nine matches he will score zero goals? No. I think in the next nine matches he will score a few goals.”

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