Former Manchester United star Ruud van Nistelrooy claims Romelu Lukaku reminds him of himself – a pure No 9
The Belgian striker has dazzled at Old Trafford since joining from Everton for £75million where he has netted six times in as many games
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has lauded Romelu Lukaku and has branded him as a pure No 9 striker.
The former Manchester United marksman has been impressed by the Belgian forward, and sees similarities between himself and the £75million man.
Van Nistelrooy - who won the 2002/03 Premier League golden boot - believes Lukaku will continue to deliver the goods at Old Trafford.
He said: "Lukaku has made a good start at dealing with the pressure as a striker at United.
"There is always a price ticket around your neck, especially in the early matches. If you don’t score, people say, ‘Hey, he’s not scoring’. But Romelu is scoring goals and I’m certain that will continue.
"Like me, I think he is a pure No 9, playing through the middle. You wouldn’t put me on the wing. The same with him. I was the same type of player, making runs behind, dangerous in the box and holding the ball up.
“He has made a real difference to United. He has scored goals from the off and has the right boss, in Jose Mourinho, to guide him.
“There will be difficult phases to come. But Mourinho has been there and done it and will know how to guide him through any rough patches.”
And van Nistelrooy - who won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup under Sir Alex Ferguson, believes the good times are set to stay at the Theatre of Dreams.
Last season United won the Europa League and the EFL Cup, and the former Dutch international sees no reason why they be successful this campaign.
He added: "It was great to see United win trophies last season.
"They definitely have the squad. It’s also important that they have width and quality in the side.
"They look rock-solid, have creativity and goals up front. And soon they will also have Zlatan Ibrahimovic back. It will be great to have his quality and experience."
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MOST PROFITABLE TRANSFERS IN HISTORY