Man Utd: Fernandes has been 'the inspiration' says pundit
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signed Bruno Fernandes in the January transfer window because of Paul Pogba, reports say. Fernandes has enjoyed a stellar start to life at Old Trafford, scoring three goals and registering three assists from eight games so far. Now, with Pogba fit again, they could line up together.
Manchester United star Fernandes is the toast of the Premier League right now after scooping the top flight’s Player of the Month Award for February.
The former Sporting Lisbon midfielder has enjoyed a flying start to life at Old Trafford, boosting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side’s chances of a top four finish in the process.
United signed the 25-year-old in January, determined to add more creativity to their side.
And the Manchester Evening News say that it was Pogba’s ongoing absence that ultimately prompted the Red Devils into making the transfer happen.
United haven’t been able to rely much on the France international this season.
He’s been out of action since the club’s 4-1 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day and restricted to just seven league appearances all season.
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And United swooped for Fernandes because they believed he was capable of stepping up in the absence of the 2018 World Cup winner.
When the Premier League resumes after the coronavirus crisis it will be interesting to see what Solskjaer does.
Both Pogba and Fernandes like to go forward with gusto and there are concerns they may be too similar to each other.
And Dimitar Berbatov has raised that same concern, saying: “I don't know if Fernandes and Pogba can play together.
“As a fan of Paul Pogba, I want him to stay at United.
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“I think it would be best for him, but I am curious to see how he will link up with Fernandes.
“They're similar players, both intelligent enough to think three steps ahead when they're on the ball. Sometimes footballers are too similar to play together.
“But I hope that's not the case here because, with Fernandes and Pogba in the same midfield, United could be a very imaginative team that would surprise opponents next season or even sooner.”
Pogba has been widely backed to leave United.
But whether that happens is something only time will tell, with Real Madrid’s stance softening and Juventus’ own transfer hopes hinging on how the coronavirus crisis plays out.