GETTY
The two rivals go head-to-head on Sunday (4.30pm) at Old Trafford.
And Jose Mourinho’s side must win if they are to maintain pace with Pep Guardiola’s runaway leaders.
Lukaku is expected to begin the game up top again for Manchester United, despite his dip in form.
The £75m summer signing from Everton has struggled for goals of late after an explosive start to the season.
But he ended a four-game drought by netting in last night’s 2-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
The Premier League golden boot latest odds
GETTY
“He deserved it because he's been working very hard for the team”
Paul Pogba
And team-mate Pogba, who misses the derby through suspension, believes Lukaku’s goal will do wonders for him.
“For a striker to score a goal it gives him positive energy as well [as confidence] - he needs this," Pogba told Sky Sports.
"He deserved it because he's been working very hard for the team and obviously we know how important he is for us.
“We are going to need him as well for the derby."
Mourinho revealed after last night’s victory that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a big chance of featuring against City.
The Swede has not yet started a match since returning last month after long-term injury.
But Lukaku will now know he has the 36-year-old ready to replace him in attack if his form continues to waver.