(Manchester United News)
Arguably since the days of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole, there has not been a Manchester United partnership that has thrived on and off the field in the way Juan Mata and Ander Herrera have gelled this season.
The Spanish pair may have known each other before Herrera linked up with his pal at Old Trafford in the summer but their wonderful combination play has been a major feature of the Reds' exhilarating football of late. Intuitive passing, poetic balance and limpet-like control have allowed the duo to transfer Louis van Gaal's possession-based philosophy onto the field.
Mata's calmly-taken strike in the Manchester derby was his ninth in 22 starts this term while Herrera's tally of seven is his highest-ever in a season. Yorke, speaking ahead of the Red Heart United Legends match against Bayern Munich All-Stars, admits he can see some similarities with the telepathic relationship he enjoyed with strike partner Cole, who will also be involved in the charity encounter at Old Trafford on 14 June.
"They're not strikers so it's a little bit different but I can see the understanding [they have]," Yorke told ManUtd.com. "They are both similar types of players in the way they play the game.
"They seem to feed off each other and have good energy. Maybe it's because they're good friends off the football pitch as well so that tends to help them get that link play going, which we need to mix the game up by creating some space for the likes of Wayne Rooney to move into.
"I can see that happening and both players are playing really good football at the moment," he explained.
"Not only that but they're getting goals as well, which gives you added confidence. It's great to see and is what Manchester United are all about, seeing players play fluently and expressing themselves.
"Hopefully, they can keep doing that in the big games. If players like these two continue playing to their capabilities, then we can get more fantastic results."
Mata returns to his previous club Chelsea on Saturday, looking to upset the division's leaders at Stamford Bridge, and maintaining his excellent form alongside Herrera, as the Reds strive for a seventh successive league win.
