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Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes has shown Paul Pogba how to do one thing at Old Trafford
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has shown Paul Pogba how to do one thing since he arrived at Old Trafford.
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Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has shown Paul Pogba how to a "leader" on the field, since he signed for the Red Devils in January, according to former France international and Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf.
Fernandes has quickly become a fan favourite with his performances on the field since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old has already scored three goals and provided four assists in just nine appearances for the club.
Meanwhile, Pogba has been forced to watch on from the sidelines as an injury has limited his opportunities this season.
The World Cup winner required surgery to rectify an ankle injury and as a result, he has been limited to just eight appearances this campaign.
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And while Pogba's future at the club remains uncertain after he suggested he wanted a "new challenge" last summer, Leboeuf thinks the 27-year-old has been taught a lesson in leadership by Fernandes.
"There is a frustration and it’s understandable when you have seen his performances," Leboeuf told ESPN FC.
"He started pretty well, he showed that he could be a leader but I think there is a lack of consistency in his game.
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"No doubt that he is a fantastic player he’s shown it at Juventus and at the beginning when he joined Manchester United.
"Since then there seems to be so many problems around him, around the club, or around his teammates that in fact, we don’t see the Pogba we want to see with all the qualities that he has.
"Maybe he’s a leader in the dressing room but he doesn’t show that he can be a technical leader like Bruno Fernandes immediately showed to the crowd when he signed for Manchester United."
And despite Pogba being linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, with Juventus and Real Madrid both interested in the midfielder, Solskajer insisted he is "excited" about the Frencham playing alongside Fernandes when the season resumes.
When asked about the prospect of Fernandes and Pogba playing in midfield for the remaining games, the Norwegian told Sky Sports: "Good players can always play together, so definitely, they can - it's a big yes.
"I think it's exciting... we do have an exciting squad. I've got Scott (McTominay), Fred, Nemanja (Matic). There are many games coming up and I'm sure we can find a good connection between them. We've been discussing that as a coaching team of course, and we're looking forward to it.
"Of course Bruno coming in, making the impact he made, it was a boost for everyone, the club, supporters and players. Getting Paul and Marcus Rashford back would be fantastic.
"Paul has had a difficult season with injuries, and Marcus as well is getting back. So for us, and for them too, this gives them a chance to start on a par or even ahead of other players."