Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has embraced the thought of a strike partnership between Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and said that the duo would provide "guaranteed goals".

Ibrahimovic returned to action against Newcastle United on Saturday following knee ligament damage that kept him out since April, while Romelu Lukaku scored his first Premier League goal since the end of September.

Spaniard Mata has been key for Jose Mourinho's men this season and would be keen to see the two strikers combine.

"Can you imagine Zlatan and Lukaku in the team, both scoring goals?," Mata told The Mirror. "It would be a strike force of the highest level and a constant danger against anyone.

"There would be guaranteed goals for United in attack. I think other teams will be worried. Having Ibra back is a very big moment.

"If he comes back with his usual style then United have a sensational reinforcement for the second half of the season. I'm sure he will."

Paul Pogba also returned against Manchester United and added a goal and an assist on Saturday.