Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes “have hit it off” at Manchester United, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is hoping to see a new partnership “flourish” at Old Trafford.

United have been starved of success on the biggest stage since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, and their struggles continued in the first half of the 2019-20 campaign.

Solskjaer’s side showed glimpses of their future potential during fixtures against the top six, but fell out of contention in the race for a top-four finish after failing to maintain any sort of upward trajectory.

However, the mood of gloom surrounding the club was lifted almost instantly following the £50-million ($62m) signing of Fernandes from Sporting CP in the January transfer window.

The Portuguese playmaker inspired a turnaround in fortunes which saw United win eight of their 11 fixtures before the coronavirus outbreak stopped play in March.

The 25-year-old’s energy also appeared to rub off on his new teammates, especially Martial, who found the net in three of his last four outings to take his tally for the season to 16 from 34 appearances in all competitions.

Solskjaer wants to see the pair pick up from where they left off when the action gets back under way, with the Red Devils set to take on fellow Champions League hopefuls Tottenham on June 19.

The United boss told Premier League Productions: “Anthony’s had a difficult season with injuries but he started the season really well and he’s finishing off … well, the season’s not finished yet but he did really well towards the end.

“He’s working hard and, for me, Anthony was on the way to his best season at Manchester United – so let’s see if he finishes it off and kicks on again.

“Tony and Bruno [Fernandes] have hit it off together, so it’s a partnership that we hope can flourish.

“We knew he was a quality player and knew that when he came in he would have an impact straight away but you never know if he’s going to settle early in a new country but he’s taken to it like a duck to water.”