Romelu Lukaku backs Zlatan Ibrahimovic to lead Manchester United's title charge: 'He will help us chase Manchester City'

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Romelu Lukaku believes the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic will help Manchester United haul back rivals Manchester City in the title race.

City lead Jose Mourinho's side by eight points but the Belgian has backed his fellow striker to provide the impetus needed to reel them in. 

Lukaku insisted that his team-mate's return, after recovering from a knee ligament injury, will not hamper his own progress.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice for Belgium against Mexico to break his recent goal drought 

Lukaku believes the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic can help Manchester United catch their rivals

The Belgian told Sky Sports News: 'It motivates me really, because he's another good player to add to the squad.

'When you face a team like us it's difficult for opponents. Ibrahimovic coming back will help us chase Manchester City.'

The 24-year-old started the season brilliantly but has since failed to find the net for United in his last seven games. 

Lukaku referred to himself as a 'leopard' despite failing to score in his last seven United games

Lukaku remains unconcerned and after scoring two goals for his country in the 3-3 friendly draw with Mexico, his confidence is on the up.  

'Yes, it's a relief but I knew it would come,I feel great to be honest,' he added.

'I was born to score. I don't think many strikers of my generation have as many goals as me. I am like a leopard in the box.'

After the international break United host Newcastle at Old Trafford and cannot afford to allow City more of a cushion at the top. 

With Ibrahimovic expected to return next year, the goal-scoring burden will fall squarely on Lukaku's shoulders for the time being. And the former Everton man is hopeful United can regain some of their early season form as they bid to claw back the deficit to Pep Guardiola's table-toppers.

'That's the sort of thing you have to go through in the season, but now there are players coming back from injury and hopefully we can deliver performances even better than at the start of the season,' he concluded. 

The powerful forward will be looking to add to his season's tally against Newcastle