Manchester United have discovered a formidable partnership under Erik ten Hag

It’s becoming a case of how, not if, Marcus Rashford scores when presented with a goalscoring opportunity.

The attacker is enjoying the most prolific season of his career to date with 24 to his name already and we are only in February. It’s going to take some effort to beat Denis Law’s 46-goal single-season record achieved in the 1963/64 campaign, but Rashford is on target for at least 30.

The last time a United star achieved that was Robin van Persie in the 2012/13 season, a full decade ago. Rashford has dispelled the myth that United would struggle without Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-getting ability, after his own 24-goal haul last season.

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United undoubtedly still need a marquee centre-forward in the summer if they want to be among next season's title favourites but, for now, Erik ten Hag’s set-up is working.

Many have mooted that Rashford looks to be playing with more freedom with Ronaldo gone and the stats show his rate of goals has increased. He has netted 16 goals - including 10 in as many league matches - since the World Cup break following Ronaldo’s exit.

Another player whose output looks to have increased since the big man’s exit is Bruno Fernandes. He has always staunchly defended his relationship with Ronaldo and his ‘frosty’ reception with him on the eve of the World Cup was very much overplayed by some on social media.

For all the justifiable claims that Fernandes was being cramped under Ronaldo’s shadow at United, he didn’t do too badly with him in the side for Portugal in Qatar - the playmaker ended the World Cup with two goals and three assists.

But his form at club level has undoubtedly become more productive. Pre-mid-season break,