Ivan Cordoba: 'Manchester United failed to understand Romelu Lukaku'

Inter Milan legend Ivan Cordoba has suggested that Manchester United failed to recognise the potential of Romelu Lukaku.

Despite a return of 42 goals from 96 appearances in all competitions, United were happy to cash in on the Belgium international last summer.

The 26-year-old has since starred for Inter, netting 23 times from 35 appearances, and Cordoba has heaped praise on the frontman after his form for the Italian giants.

The ex-defender is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "Lukaku is an extraordinary player. Manchester United did not understand the player's potential and his last season was bad for him. In my opinion, Lukaku is proving everyone to be a champion.

"He is determined and the Premier League has improved him a lot. I met him: he is a positive leader in the changing rooms."

Cordoba spent 12 years of his career at San Siro, making 455 appearances in all competitions between 2000 and 2012.