Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes hailed the partnership Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have developed this season ahead of Thursday night's Europa League clash with Barcelona at Old Trafford.
The duo, who have each played key roles in the club's resurrection under Erik ten Hag this season, have been in excellent form in recent weeks and combined for Rashford's opener against Leicester City at the weekend. The England international's opener against the Foxes marked his 23rd goal of the season, ahead of him netting his 24th of the campaign shortly after half-time.
Fernandes teed up Rashford for the game's opening goal with a sublime outside-of-the-foot pass, sending him clear to drill a low shot past goalkeeper Danny Ward. Fernandes then added another his assist to his tally in the second half, setting up substitute Jadon Sancho to make it 3-0.
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Interestingly, six of Fernandes' nine assists in all competitions this season have come from Rashford goals, highlighting the continued development of their on-field relationship. Fernandes has drifted wide at times this term and it has benefited the greater good of the team.
"There's almost a telepathic link between them, and I think that's important," Scholes told BT Sport, speaking ahead of Thursday night's clash with Barcelona. "I think when we were successful in teams there were partnerships all over the football pitch, and for too many years this team has been a little bit disjointed, it's been a little bit like individuals at times.
"You need them partnerships. I can't tell you how important it is for people to know what you're going to do, whether it's a full-back and a wide player, or it's two centre halves, the midfield players, the forwards, it is vital that teams have partnerships if you are going to be successful."
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