Gary Neville believes the next two matches are vital for Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United.

The Belgian striker has just one goal from his last 11 matches following a stunning start to life at Old Trafford.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return to the fold has only added to the pressure on Lukaku ahead of huge showdowns with Arsenal and Manchester City. doesn't think Lukaku's place is under threat but admits Jose Mourinho needs more from his striker in the next two matches.

"He was brought in to score goals in the games which United were drawing last season but it is in the big games where United need him most," Neville told Sky Sports.

Lukaku speaks to Mourinho (
Image:
Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
The United striker tries his luck (
Image:
Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

"If there is a way to get at Arsenal and Manchester City then it is by really going at their defences.

"For a striker, it is all about your goals and unfortunately, people will always measure him by that, but away from the goals his contribution has to be big, to mess their centre-halves about.

"He's had his struggles but ultimately that was always going to happen at some point after his blistering start, but this is a critical stage of the season where he has to deliver."

United legend Gary Neville (
Image:
Manchester Evening News)

Discussing Ibrahimovic's return, Neville added: "The only way he can become number one is if the aura of Zlatan gets to Lukaku.

"Zlatan is confident but Lukaku is number one, the fans and the manager believe in him and if he does have any demons then he needs to clear them from his mind."

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