What Ibrahimovic’s return means for me – Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku has insisted he is not afraid of competing with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United.

The 24-year-old striker continued his blistering start to the new season on Thursday, with a hat-trick for Belgium in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar.

But Lukaku, with three Premier League goals already, will see Ibrahimovic back at Old Trafford later this season after his serious knee injury.

Ibrahimovic was the main man for the Red Devils last season, scoring 28 goals as they won three trophies and returned to the Champions League, but Lukaku said: “I don’t fear the competition as a striker — or Zlatan.

“He will bring many qualities to the team, and help us in our goal of winning the title.

“I said to Zlatan that I hoped he would be back at Man United. We need his personality. And I knew for a while he would sign a new contract.

“We know there are big rivals for the title – City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham. But things are going really well for me at United.

“The pre-season was good and it helped knowing a lot of the players before arriving.”