Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney: Providing Manchester United's cutting edge

Sir Alex Ferguson was initially reluctant to use the pair in tandem following Van Persie's arrival from Arsenal last summer, with Rooney often asked to fill a wider role.

The England international became frustrated at being asked to play out of position, leading to him requesting a move away from Old Trafford.

He has, however, been deployed down the middle under new boss David Moyes and he and Van Persie - following a goal apiece in a 3-2 win over Stoke City on Saturday - have now found the target 14 times between them this term.

On a productive strike unit, which also includes Javier Hernandez, Van Persie said: "Wayne's a great player. In my opinion good players can always play together and I think we showed that against Stoke.

"We showed it last season, we showed it earlier this season and hopefully we can keep showing that because we do want to play together.

"But don't forget Chicharito because he's a great player. He's a real role model to all footballers. He works so hard, I'm a really big fan of his. We will need all of our strikers."

Van Persie has also paid tribute to an emerging star in United's attacking ranks, with Adnan Januzaj having burst onto the Old Trafford scene this season to earn himself a new long-term contract.

"Over the years I've seen so many young players, and I can honestly say that of all the youngsters I've seen he is right up there in the top one or two," said Van Persie.

"He's a special player. He will give Man United a great bunch of goals and great games. He's confident in a good way. He's not too bothered with the whole occasion or the pressure of the games."

Van Persie was returned to United's starting XI over the weekend after being rested for UEFA Champions League duty against Real Sociedad, and the Dutchman admits he is nursing a few knocks - with toe and groin complaints having forced Moyes to handle him with care.

He added: "To be fair, I've felt better.

"The last couple of weeks, it's been quite tough for me. I've been sore in a couple of places and I want to play through that."