Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Romelu Lukaku's form for Man Utd makes his own 'comeback' easier

Zlatan Ibrahimovic discusses Romelu Lukaku and healthy competition for his place in the team Zlatan Ibrahimovic discusses Romelu Lukaku and healthy competition for his place in the team

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Romelu Lukaku's form for Manchester United will ease the pressure on his own "comeback".

Lukaku's prolific start to the season - 11 goals in 14 games - has spearheaded United's challenge for the Premier League, while they have also begun their Champions League campaign with three wins from three.

Ibrahimovic meanwhile has been undergoing rehabilitation for a serious knee injury, which cut short his debut season at Old Trafford in April.

The Swede, who shouldered much of the goalscoring burden for United last season, knows he will face stiff competition from the Belgian for a starting spot when he returns to match fitness.

However, ahead of United's home clash against Tottenham on Saturday - live on Sky Sports Premier League - Ibrahimovic told Thierry Henry that he only sees the positives from Lukaku's start to the campaign.

Romelu Lukaku has scored 11 goals in 14 games for Man United this season

"The team is stronger this season," Ibrahimovic said. "Lukaku is in the team scoring a lot of goals, and he is making the job easier for me, because last year when we were playing we could not change that role.

"We had one scoring the goals, and doing that job, and there was no variations for the coach. This season it is easier. Lukaku is only positive, because he makes my "comeback" less pressured, it gives me a lot of time, and I'm happy for that.

The more time I get, the better it gets. He's scoring his goals and doing what he needs to do.

"When I come back, the coach is there, we will see how things go.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic tells Thierry Henry about his desire to win the Premier League and finish what he started at Manchester Utd Zlatan Ibrahimovic tells Thierry Henry about his desire to win the Premier League and finish what he started at Manchester Utd

"I see it very strong. Because the more quality we have in the team, the more alternatives we have, the easier it is for the manager."

An extended version of the interview, Zlatan Talks to Thierry, will air Friday 6pm and 8pm on Sky Sports Premier League