Moyes sees spark in Rooney, van Persie

Manager David Moyes thinks that Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are finding the form that will ignite Manchester United's Premier League title defence.

Moyes believes the talented tandem he has up front can be the most effective forward partnership in Europe, and their performance in the 3-1 victory at Fulham on Saturday confirmed they are beginning to click after a slow start to the campaign.

Rooney and van Persie combined to set up Antonio Valencia for United's opening goal before each finding their way onto the scoresheet and Moyes believes there is much more to come.

"I thought there were real signs of great combination between them, and they made the goals for each other," said the Scot. "There was good link-up play and I just started to see really good signs from the two of them.

"It was great they both got on the scoresheet, because that is what forwards do and I have always said we need these boys to get a hat-load of goals if we are to be successful.

"They are both incredibly talented and understand each other and the talents they both bring with them."

The victory gave United back-to-back league wins for the first time this season and the manager now hopes his side can develop the momentum to return to the leading group in the table.

"Our job is to climb the league table. We want to be nearer the top and I've no doubt by the end of the season we will be," said Moyes.

"Where we are just now isn't that important, other than you don't want to let the teams ahead of you get too far ahead of you.

"And we are going to have to keep building on today's performance."

United travels to face Real Sociedad in the Champions League this week with doubts hanging over the fitness of Jonny Evans, Rafael da Silva and Tom Cleverley, who were all replaced at half-time at Craven Cottage.

"Tom Cleverley had double vision, Jonny Evans' back stiffened up and Rafael went over on his ankle. So I was forced to make the three changes at half-time, which disrupted the flow and the momentum a little bit. But I was pleased with the lads who came on," said Moyes.

"I'm hoping they will be fit. Rafa is the biggest doubt after going over on his ankle. Tom should be OK in a day or two, and Jonny, I couldn't tell how his back is.

"It will be a difficult test against (Real) Sociedad. To go and play against any side in Spain that has qualified will be a hard test, but we will go over there and try to get a good result that will continue our good form in the group."

(China Daily 11/04/2013 page23)