Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be Romelu Lukaku’s biggest problem at Manchester United, says Rio Ferdinand

Romelu Lukaku may find it hard to cope with the competition from Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United, according to Rio Ferdinand.

The United striker has scored just once in his last eleven appearances for his club, while Ibrahimovic is edging towards full fitness again.

Ibrahimovic returned to action this month after a lengthy injury lay-off and Lukaku has been United’s nailed-on starter up front as a result.

But, with the goals drying up and Lukaku struggling again against Watford on Tuesday, Ferdinand believes things could get worse for the striker.

‘He’ll come out of this, but I think the bigger problem for him is Zlatan Ibrahimovic being there,’ Ferdinand said on BT Sport.

‘Mentally, having a big striker behind you who wants to play, that’s the pressure.

‘Sometimes, some people find it hard to deal with.’

Ibrahimovic was United’s top scorer last season by some distance, but Lukaku has already scored eight goals in 14 Premier League appearances.

But after scoring seven in the opening seven leagues games, Lukaku managed just one strike in the next seven.

Ibrahimovic is eager to reclaim his starting spot and Jose Mourinho will have a big decision ahead.

Arsenal welcome United to the Emirates on Saturday and Mourinho could drop Lukaku in favour of the big Swede.

Lukaku missed two excellent chances against Watford, but United still managed to earn a 4-2 win in London.

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