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RUUD AWAKENING

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.

 Ruud van Nistelrooy has paid tribute to Romelu Lukaku after his fine start at Old Trafford
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Ruud van Nistelrooy has paid tribute to Romelu Lukaku after his fine start at Old TraffordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 The former Everton forward has netted six times in as many matches for Manchester United
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The former Everton forward has netted six times in as many matches for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty - Contributor

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.”

 The Red Devils legend sees similarities between Lukaku and himself
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The Red Devils legend sees similarities between Lukaku and himselfCredit: Reuters
 The Belgian man has been labelled as a pure No 9 by the former Real Madrid star
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The Belgian man has been labelled as a pure No 9 by the former Real Madrid starCredit: Getty - Contributor

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.

 Romelu Lukaku reecntly found the back of the net against Basel in the Champions League
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Romelu Lukaku reecntly found the back of the net against Basel in the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters

"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."

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