Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has hit back at his critics by insisting that he is 'not the finished article' and still has plenty of room for improvement.
The 24-year-old hit the ground running upon arriving from Everton in a £75m deal in the summer, notching 11 goals in his first 10 appearances for the club.
Lukaku has since struggled to find the net, however, failing to add to his tally in six matches since the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace on September 30.
After having his credentials questioned in recent weeks, with many suggesting that he is merely a flat-track bully, the Belgium international claims that it is wrong to judge him just yet.
"I think a lot of people are judging me as the finished article," he told Sky Sports News. "I'm 24 - you can't judge me as the finished article. I'd rather have a year where I improve, improve, improve rather than going straight to the top and then declining.
"I know I have a lot of talent. I can do a lot of stuff, score goals with my left, right and head. But I want to be a creator - I want to have more assists. I want to make sure when my team is having difficulties they can count on me.
"I'm on the perfect stage and the perfect age. I want to be a winner and take my career to the next level."
Lukaku heads back to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, looking to build on a record of two goals against former employers Chelsea in seven matches.
Daniel Lewis
