Over the years, Manchester United has featured many outstanding pairings, including Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, and Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.

But the one that sticks out the most is the one between Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, who became telepathic when they were young.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and the EFL Cup
With a few individuals emerging as pivotal figures in the Red Devils’ comeback, Erik ten Hag is seeking to restore the emphasis on nurturing young players and replicate that illustrious tandem.

In light of this, let’s examine the intriguing duo that has the potential to replace Rooney and Ronaldo at Manchester United.

The ideal pair of Ronaldo and Rooney

The greatest deal the club has ever made in recent memory was likely Sir Alex Ferguson’s acquisition of Ronaldo and Rooney in the summers of 1999 and 2000 for a combined total of £43 million.

The 2007–08 season was the pinnacle of their time together. Rooney, also known as the Portugal legend, led all competitions in goals scored from 2006 until 2009, the year Ronaldo left for Real Madrid. In 49 games across all competitions, the number seven scored an incredible 42 goals, and in 43 games, Rooney contributed 32 goals.

Ronaldo, Rooney, Man, United, Hojlund, Garnacho
Their amazing goal total of 236 goals in all competitions over five seasons together is a testament to their remarkable play.

Ten Hag will be hoping that his fresh version of the combination will produce comparable success soon. United famously won three Premier League titles and the Champions League with the two stars in the Red Devils attack.

The updated Rooney and Ronaldo

With Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo returning to form and the latter two showing signs of becoming the next deadly tandem to become heroes for their club, United’s season has been both disappointing and somewhat promising.

Despite the fact that Garnacho is 19 and Hojlund is only 21, their friendship has grown especially since the beginning of the year. They share most of the offensive duties in the team.

hojlund-garnacho-premier-league Manchester United
The Dane has broken records by being the youngest Premier League player to score in six straight games with eight goals and two assists in his last eight outings. Since Boxing Day, the Argentine has netted four goals and supplied two assists.

Both Rooney and Ronaldo have the same wonderful qualities—putting their team on their backs, having the guts to never let their head sink despite making mistakes, and always striving to develop.

PL Stats for Hojlund & Garnacho

Statistics

Hojlund

Garnacho

begins

17

17

Objectives

7.

5.

Helps

2.

3.

xG

6.48

5.30

total number of shots in each match

1.4

2.6

Statistics sourced from Sofascore

Former United player Michael Owen described Garnacho as “incredible,” noting that Paul Scholes had also referred to the winger as a “young Cristiano.” Broadcaster Joe Thomlinson labelled Hojlund “ridiculous,” and in all honesty, they are definitely living up to that reputation.

Man United has a really exciting future ahead of them, and the team is finally feeling like it is making progress. Garnacho and Hojlund will be leading the charge if the Red Devils are to resurrect their former glory as a team.