Although many pundits felt Rooney and Tevez were too alike to forge an effective union, their two games together so far suggest otherwise.

Four goals against Wigan immediately before the international break and another four at Aston Villa straight afterwards has quelled all talk of the Red Devils early-season scoring struggles.

Ferguson is now preparing to let Rooney and Tevez loose on the European stage for the first time as United look to maintain their 100% Champions League record by overcoming Dynamo Kiev in the Olympic Stadium.

And if his bulky twosome can maintain their impressive form, comparisons really will start to be made with the Cole-Yorke axis, which contributed an incredible 53 goals to the Old Trafford outfit's historic Treble-winning campaign.

"We have had some fantastic partnerships at this club over the years," said Ferguson.

"The first season with Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke was incredible but most of them do take time.

"What you have to remember is that Wayne is 22 next week and Carlos is only 23, so they are only young players. In three or four years it might be something special.

"Both have great attributes. They have speed and courage and they are able to beat a man, so all the things are there.

"Maturity is what we want to see now, and also authority and timing. "Once that comes hopefully they will be at our club showing everyone what great players they are.

"The evidence is good at the moment. I am encouraged by that. They are young players and hopefully that development gets better. The signs are very good at the moment, that is all I can say. I am delighted with that because they are so young."

mfl