Nemanja Matic tips Romelu Lukaku to achieve "big things" with Manchester United

Nemanja Matic has insisted that teammate Romelu Lukaku is on course to achieve "big things" at Manchester United, as both players prepare to face former club Chelsea.

Lukaku has found the net 20 times in 38 appearances for the Red Devils since his £75m summer move from Everton, including 12 goals in the Premier League.

The Belgian striker has faced criticism of late, however, as five of those goals have come in his last 19 matches, and he has yet to find the net against any side in the division's top eight.

Matic has defended Lukaku's record across his first seven months at Old Trafford, however, telling Sky Sports News: "Romelu is a great striker. For a young player it's not an easy situation because everyone expects you to score in every game.

"It is not easy to deal with that expectation but as he's shown already he's doing well. Mentally he's strong and I'm sure he will continue to score goals. He's still young and can improve more and I'm sure he will do big things for Manchester United."

Lukaku has scored 97 Premier League goals during spells with Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Everton and Man United.