Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku says it is unfair to expect him to be perfect at this stage, telling Sky Sports: "You can't judge me as the finished article."
The Belgium international, 24, made an impressive start to life at Old Trafford following his move from Everton this summer, scoring 11 goals, but is currently enduring a goal drought stretching back to Sept. 30.
Lukaku said in an interview with Belgium assistant manager Thierry Henry that there is more to his game than just scoring goals but he accepts he has room for improvement.
"I think a lot of people are judging me as the finished article," Lukaku said. "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."
Jose Mourinho recently said he was unhappy that the United fans "don't support him so much" and that he protected the striker by preventing him taking a penalty in this week's 2-0 Champions League win over Benfica.