Andy Cole says Romelu Lukaku will have to expect unfair flak playing for Manchester United

The Belgian has scored 11 goals in his first 11 Manchester United games, but was scrutinised for having a quiet game in the 0-0 draw at Liverpool.

Cole scored 121 goals for the Red Devils in a trophy-laden eight years at the club.

And he believes the criticism will be like water off a duck’s back to Lukaku.

“I don't think he will take it [the criticism] on board, to be honest,” Cole told the official Man Utd website.

“I think people looked at his record when he was at Everton and West Brom, and that he had never done particularly well against the big teams.

“He never seemed to get himself a goal or get involved, but I think that will change at United.

“It was very difficult for him at Liverpool because he didn't have many touches of the ball.

“But with the way the game went, he was always going to find it difficult and he did do.

“The flak he got was unwarranted but that is what he has to expect at Manchester United.

“Without doubt, he will take it in his stride.”

Cole, 46, is currently recovering from life-changing kidney transplant surgery in April of this year.

The much-loved Treble winner recently bumped into Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is currently completing his own rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

And he’s excited about the prospect of the big Swede’s return to the United line-up.

“I think he [Zlatan] will definitely bring something to the football team, as we already know,” he added.

“After last season, he was fantastic. It will be nice to see him back when he returns.

“But like he keeps saying, he is not human. I love his banter and I think his enthusiasm for the game of football, and what he is around the complex, speaks volumes about him.”