Romelu Lukaku’s comments regarding a future move to Serie A are "disrespectful" to Manchester United, says Gary Pallister.
The Belgium international is currently tied to a long-term contract at Old Trafford and will not be going anywhere any time soon.
He has, however, hinted that a spell in Italy will be taken in at some stage, with Juventus having been linked with his services in the past.
When quizzed on a possible stint in Serie A, Lukaku told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Why not? I hope it happens.”
That admission has not gone down well with former United defender Pallister, with the 25-year-old striker urged to show more respect to his current club during a testing period for all concerned.
“I think it’s disrespectful at times if you start mentioning other clubs when you’re actually contracted to the club you’re at” Pallister told 888sport.
“If it’s in your mind I’ve got no problem with that but to put it in print I’ve got a problem with that.
“At a time when a club is under real pressure to have their leading goal-scorer say he’d like to move abroad – if that’s what he has done – is not the ideal scenario.”
Pallister is not the only United legend to have questioned Lukaku during the international break.
Getty ImagesDespite hitting another double for Belgium in a Nations League win over Switzerland, and having four club goals to his name this season, Paul Scholes has suggested that the Premier League title will never return to Old Trafford for as long as the former Everton and Chelsea man leads the line.
He told ESPN: "I'm just not sure you are ever going to win the league with a goal scorer like him.
"I don't think his play outside of the box is good enough.
"I'm not sure if he works hard enough but he's still a young man who has done well and scored a lot of goals. He's quick and strong, but Lukaku is one of many United players who look like they're short of confidence.”
Lukaku will be hoping to prove a point to his doubters on Saturday when he returns to domestic action with a trip to face his former employers at Stamford Bridge.
Read the full 888sport interview with Gary Pallister including his thoughts on Mourinho and Pogba’s fractured relationship.