London, Dec 18 (IANS): Manchester United head coach Jose Mourinho defended striker Romelu Lukaku for not celebrating his goal against West Brom and said he still loves his former club somewhere in the back of his mind.

The Belgian, who made 35 appearances for West Brom in 2012-13 scored once to hand Manchester United a 2-1 victory over his former club in the English Premier League (EPL) tie on Sunday.

"I didn't celebrate too," the Portuguese tactician was quoted as saying by Fox Sports on Sunday.

"I am happy, I'm happy with the victory. But 15 years ago I look at myself celebrating goals and now I feel a little ashamed with that, but with maturity, you go into levels where you control your emotions better. Unless, I repeat, you score a winning goal in the last stage of a game.

"Also, I think Romelu had the fact that he was a happy kid at West Brom. He was a kid that was given all the conditions here to have the evolution he had. So probably in the back of his mind is that love for the club," Mourinho added.