Romelu Lukaku faces his former side today (Getty)

Ruud van Nistelrooy believes Romelu Lukaku will continue to excel at Manchester United following his strong start and could even break some of his own records.

Following his £75million summer transfer Lukaku has taken no time to settle at Old Trafford.

The Belgian has scored six goals in six games and will hope to continue that run when he comes up against former side Everton today.

Last season Lukaku scored 26 goals in 39 games and Manchester United legend Van Nistelrooy believes he could improve on that tally this term: ‘There is no ­reason why he can’t score even more for United. He is a player more than capable of breaking records, ­including mine.’

Ruud van Nistelrooy celebrates after scoring a hatrtrick against Newcastle (Getty)

Van Nistelrooy was prolific during his time at the Theatre of Dreams, ending up top scorer in the Champions League in three of his five seasons as a Manchester United player. He also scored in 10 consecutive matches – a club record.

‘Lukaku has made a good start at dealing with the pressure as a striker at United,’ said the Dutchman.

‘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.’

Manchester United 2018/19 Fixtures

Fulham (A) - Feb 9
PSG (H) - Feb 12
Chelsea (A) - Feb 18
Liverpool (H) - Feb 24
Crystal Palace (A) - Feb 27
Southampton (H) - Mar 2

Van Nistelrooy noted the similarities between himself and Lukaku.

‘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.’

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