‘Romelu Lukaku and Manchester United can achieve great things together’ – Roberto Di Matteo hails former Chelsea striker’s ‘wonderful’ move

Romelu Lukaku is a ‘perfect fit’ for Manchester United and can achieve great things at his new club, Roberto Di Matteo has told talkSPORT.

Lukaku’s anticipated move from Everton to Old Trafford was confirmed on Monday, after the clubs agreed a £75million fee for the 24-year-old.

The Belgian striker joins the Red Devils on the back of five high-scoring seasons in the Premier League with West Brom and Everton, and Di Matteo says he has earned his chance to challenge for silverware after proving he can make it at the top level.

Di Matteo was assistant coach at Chelsea when Lukaku arrived from Belgian side Anderlecht in 2011, and coached him throughout his early days at Stamford Bridge.

He made just ten league appearances in three years with the Blues, but a £28m move to Goodison Park saw him quickly develop into one of the most lethal finishers in England, before being reunited with Jose Mourinho at United this summer.

Speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White, the Italian said: “Lukaku has earned his move to a club that is aiming for titles and trophies - that has always been his aim.

“He’s an extremely hard working and ambitious young man and I think it’s a really wonderful signing for Man United.

“I absolutely think they can achieve great things together. Lukaku just fits perfectly there.

“Jose Mourinho knows him quite well as well, and I think he will improve him further and make him a better player too."

Lukaku has scored 85 goals in five full seasons in the Premier League, becoming one of only five players in Premier League history to hit 50 goals before the age of 23.

But Di Matteo insists he can get even better, telling talkSPORT: “Absolutely I think so [he can become a better player at Man United]. He works on his game every day and wants to improve. He was always asking me to do a bit more with him even after training had finished, so we did that. He has an incredible drive to succeed and have success and he’s at the right place now.

“He’s at a great age and he’s at a great club with a fantastic manager, so it all just seems like it’s fitting all together there.

“He’s a bit more of a complete player now than he was when he left Chelsea. He’s got a bit more to his game. He was a little bit young and raw and he’s obviously more experienced now.

“He’s a great guy to have in the dressing room, he’s got great leadership skills and is very positive. He’s an absolutely great signing.”

Listen to talkSPORT’s interview with Roberto Di Matteo IN FULL above