Three years ago Manchester United would have loved the idea of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao playing together in a red shirt, and then laughed it off.
But it could now be argued the partnership is what is holding United back. On another night where the defence, and David de Gea, just about did their jobs, United were reliant on two Chris Smalling headers and a van Persie penalty to beat Burnley 3-1.
Once again, the two strikers lacked the pace and movement to make different runs and were usually static in the box as the likes of Angel di Maria tried to force some creativity.
Whilst individual class has kept both on the score sheet at times this season, fans are realising despite the talent that it more than likely has to be one or the other.
Falcao & van Persie should not start together, it's got to be one or the other. There's no pace or movement upfront whatsoever.
— Amy (@Amy_WatsonMUFC) February 11, 2015
Falcao's looked more Manucho than Forlan tonight. Woeful half from him and Van Persie. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 11, 2015
Van Persie and Falcao playing like lone strikers, standing there waiting for it. Like playing with 9 men.
— Vik (@IconicNumber7) February 11, 2015
Falcao and van Persie being dominated by Michael Keane. Good grief.
— JM (@jmetMUFC) February 11, 2015
I never, ever thought I'd dread seeing Van Persie and Falcao starting together up front for United
— *2* (@Tattooed_2) February 11, 2015
Thing about this Van Persie-Falcao partnership isn't even that it's done nothing to justify itself, but that it so clearly has no future.
— Daniel Harris (@DanielHarris) February 11, 2015
Bizarrely, the partnership started the season in strong fashion. Van Persie scored two goals in two games playing alongside Falcao, both brilliantly assisted by the Colombian.
Even against West Ham at the weekend, a neat bit of interchange between the two led to a great chance for Falcao. Whilst the connection is there between two great footballers, United lack pace and movement up front and it is clear the team need either Wayne Rooney or the raw ability of James Wilson up there.
The big question is, who drops out in the long run?
