Romelu Lukaku's imposing physique makes him a nightmare for defenders to deal with.

That has always been the case for the Manchester United striker who broke onto the scene at just 16.

Many were stunned by the size of the Belgian at such a young age and his agent Mino Raiola has provided an insight into the struggles Lukaku faced growing up.

He has revealed Lukaku's mother even went to ridiculous lengths to prove her son's age to doubting parents.

"I was talking to his mother. She always ended up with other parents who did not think he was 12 or 14 years old. It was always a fuss that he scored three or four goals," he told Expressen.

Romelu Lukaku of Anderlecht (
Image:
AFP)
Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United in action (
Image:
Getty)

"He was bigger and physically strong, yes. But they screamed that it was not in the right age. So she took the birth certificate.

"He was born in Belgium, but they spread false reports he been born in Africa. 'Here it is', she said."

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Lukaku was in action on Saturday as United lost their unbeaten record against Huddersfield.

The 2-1 defeat was the third game in a row that he hasn't scored after a stunning start.