Manchester United: Dwight Yorke backs Juan Mata and Ander Herrera to replicate his partnership with Andy Cole

Dwight Yorke claims former Chelsea maestro Juan Mata and his compatriot Ander Herrera can replicate his partnership with Andy Cole at Manchester United due to their special understanding on the pitch.

The former legendary duo inspired the Premier League giants to win the treble in the 1998-99 campaign under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Meanwhile, the Spanish friends are also thriving at Old Trafford after winning together – along with David De Gea – the European Championships in 2011 with the Spanish under-21s.

And even though Mata and Herrera are not strikers, Yorke believes they can bring similar success to United in the near future.

"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."

The Spanish duo had a difficult start to life under Louis van Gaal but have become integral in the team's recent good run, having secure six consecutive victories, including wins against Totttenham, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Mata scored a memorable brace against Liverpool on 22 March, one provided by Herrera, and another one against City while the former Athletic Bilbao midfielder added two goals for himself in United's victory over Aston Villa, the second teed up by his compatriot.

"I can see that happening and both players are playing really good football at the moment," Yorke explained.

"Not only that but they're getting goals as well, which gives you added confidence. It's great to see and it's 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."