MANCHESTER - Robin van Persie issued a warning to Portuguese minnows Braga as the Manchester United forward claimed his partnership with Wayne Rooney is finally beginning to live up to expectations.
Braga have the daunting task of trying to subdue two of Europe's finest frontmen when they visit Old Trafford on Tuesday's for the Champions League Group H clash.
United have started promisingly in the competition with a maximum six points from six - as they seek to exorcise the demons of last year's embarrassing early exit.
To make matters worse for Braga, van Persie, who has eight goals in 10 appearances for United, believes his understanding with Rooney has gradually clicked into gear after a slow start following his pre-season move from Arsenal. Van Persie's lack of match practice and an injury to Rooney meant the pair have played together only fleetingly in the opening weeks of the season.
They are finally getting some prolonged time on the pitch to work on their relationship and the response has been impressive, as Stoke found out on Saturday when Rooney scored twice and van Persie also netted in a 4-2 win.
The deadly duo were also responsible for three of the four assists against Stoke and Braga's defenders could have been forgiven for cursing their luck as van Persie described the rapid development of United's strikeforce. "We are definitely getting more of an understanding," Van Persie said. "We like to play together and work well together.
"It is only the second or third time we have played in this formation but offensively and defensively, we help each other out."
With Danny Welbeck also a growing threat up front and Javier Hernandez, Nani, Shinji Kagawa and Ashley Young also offering their own attacking menace, it is no surprise van Persie expects United to produce a glut of goals as the season continues.