Cole: Ibra will bring the best out of Lukaku

The Swede made his much-anticipated comeback during the 4-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United on Saturday, shortly after Lukaku had smashed home the final goal to end his eight-match run without a goal at club level.

Having two world-class strikers at his disposal is a huge benefit for Jose Mourinho, who recently admitted he could partner Ibrahimovic and Lukaku up front. 

Cole, who scored 121 goals for United during his trophy-laden career, believes Romelu will thrive from playing alongside Zlatan. 

"I’m excited," Andy told us at the #ILOVEUNITED event in New York. "I was fortunate to be in that position, having other players after your place and that competition brings the best out of you. 

"I have no doubts it will bring the best out of Lukaku. Romelu expected Zlatan to get fit at some stage. He started the season very well. He has found it difficult in a few games because the team didn’t create a lot of chances, and the team didn’t played as well as it could have. 

"But I think he will be okay. I definitely think Zlatan will bring the best out of him."

Cole was joined in the Big Apple by Louis Saha, the ex-Red who is regarded as one of our most technically-gifted strikers in recent history. 

The former France international has compared Ibrahimovic's return to Paul Scholes coming out of retirement in 2012, when the Ginger Genius made a dramatic u-turn to help Sir Alex Ferguson in a time when many midfield players were injured. 

"Zlatan has not been injured much in his career," said Louis. "But, mentally he seems to be very confident about it. He doesn’t show fear and he has never been someone who will show it anyway. He will bring confidence and leadership. 

"The way he moves is more about his brain than physique. You can’t really lose that as he is a big guy who knows how to move, knows the rhythm of the game so this is the thing he will never lose. 

"It’s like Paul Scholes coming back from retirement, it is like he is still young and has the legs. This level of player understands the game, they know how to give the information to the youngsters."

There’s nothing like celebrating a victory with friends – thank you to these #MUFC fans for joining us in New York! 🇺🇸 #ILOVEUNITED pic.twitter.com/WqRlfQ8eaZ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 18, 2017