Manchester United new boy Romelu Lukaku needs the 'cleverness' of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Teddy Sheringham, claims Alan Pardew

Romelu Lukaku needs to add the 'cleverness' of Manchester United favourites Teddy Sheringham and Ruud van Nistelrooy to his game if he is to become a complete striker, according to Alan Pardew.

The £75million summer signing scored his third Premier League goal of the season as Jose Mourinho's men put four past Swansea to stay top of the Premier League table on Saturday lunchtime.

But Pardew believes Lukaku can still improve his movement, despite his fine start to life at Old Trafford.

Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring Manchester United's second goal against Swansea

Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring Manchester United's second goal against Swansea

Alan Pardew believes Lukaku can still improve his movement despite his fine recent form

Alan Pardew believes Lukaku can still improve his movement despite his fine recent form

'Lukaku for me needs to improve at Man United when they regain possession,' Pardew told Sky Sports after the game.


'His movement today wasn't good enough, to come short or to go long. To make it quicker action, he needs to get a little bit more of that and he'd have got more touches today.

'There were times when the ball changed hands to Man United and he was static or behind the centre back, he needs to think a little bit quicker. Obviously when the chance comes this guy doesn't miss.

'We were talking about (Ruud) Van Nistelrooy and Teddy Sheringham, and Zlatan (Ibrahimovic), he needs to get some of that, to get some of that cleverness on where to be.

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was known for his clever positioning

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was known for his clever positioning

Lukaku sweeps home his third Premier League for United since joining from Everton for £75m

Lukaku sweeps home his third Premier League for United since joining from Everton for £75m

'He's at the best place to learn it, he's going to be watching the videos with Jose (Mourinho) after the game and his coaching team and they'll be telling him to switch on a little bit quicker because once it goes into him - and he sticks it - wow.'

Mourinho has admitted that he could re-sign Ibrahimovic when the Swede returns to fitness following a serious knee injury – and Pardew is confident Lukaku would benefit from his return to the club.

'I think one of the best things that can happen for him (Lukaku) at Man United is that they re-sign Zlatan, because I think he could learn so much,' Pardew added.

'To see a player like that do it in training and to understand that close up will be a great learning curve for him, so I think it'll be a good move for them.'