MANCHESTER UNITED star Romelu Lukaku is integral to the Red Devils and their success will depend on keeping him fit this season.

That's according to former England ace and Sky Sports pundit Stuart Pearce.

The immediate impact that the Belgian has had since his arrival has propelled United to joint top of the Premier League table, with the 24-year-old hitting 11 goals in 10 games in all competitions this season.

Former Manchester City manager Pearce believes Lukaku is the jewel of the summer signings that have contributed to Jose Mourinho’s side starting strongly.

“Recruitment (has been the key to United’s success this season),” Pearce said.

“You’ve got to straight away look at Lukaku and say he’s bought a centre-forward in for £75million with a great track record, who’s hit the ground running.

“Where they fare this year with regards to how much silverware they get their hands on will probably be directly parallel not just to how many goals, but just keeping him fit.

“I think if they keep Lukaku fit, he’ll get the goals.

“There’s no doubt in my mind about that, it will be 20-odd goals this season.

“But they’ve got to keep him fit and I think that will have a major baring on where the trophies go this year.”

Lukaku is currently on international duty with Belgium, who have World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Cyprus to contend with.

United's next fixture is away at rivals Liverpool on Saturday, October 14th.