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Is Everton striker Romelu Lukaku the ready-built Ibrahimovic replacement?

Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores their first goal (REUTERS)
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The Everton striker could be the perfect player to eventually replace Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United.

Manchester United's Zlatan IbrahimovicManchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Despite being a big hit in his first season at Manchester United, the future of Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic seems uncertain. Scoring 17 goals in the Premier League this season, and making five assists, the former PSG and Barcelona striker has been a hit at Old Trafford since joining the side last summer, but his future in Manchester seems uncertain.

After picking up a serious injury towards the end of the current season, and after consistent rumours linking him with a move to the MLS, Zlatan Ibrahimovic may well be exiting Manchester United come the end of the season. However, the striker might already have a ready-made replacement waiting in the Premier League.

Scoring 24 Premier League goals this season, and making 6 assists, Everton striker Romelu Lukaku currently tops the top-flight scoring charts. Strong, pacy and powerful, the 23-year-old Belgian, who turns 24 this month, is one of the better forwards in the Premier League, and still has many of his best year’s ahead of him.

And with a keen desire to play in the Champions League, could Manchester United tempt Lukaku with a move to Old Trafford? Jose Mourinho has previous with the striker, having worked together at Chelsea. However, this relationship did end with Lukaku being sold to Everton in the first place.

Everton's Romelu LukakuEverton’s Romelu Lukaku

So, could Lukaku be the perfect man to replace Ibrahimovic? The two players styles are fairly similar, with both relying on their strength and skill with the ball at their feet, as opposed to beating defenders with sheer pace. Lukaku is also perfectly comfortable playing as the lone striker; a role Ibrahimovic has filled for United this season.

With Lukaku in, Manchester United could potentially be equipped next season with two of the most exciting young strikers in the Premier League, with the Belgian joining highly-rated youngster, Marcus Rashford.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford scores their second goalManchester United’s Marcus Rashford