Man Utd: Pogba passes to Fernandes at closed match in June
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to ease Paul Pogba back into the fray when the Red Devils return to Premier League action. The Norwegian is now able to count on the midfielder once again after an injury-plagued campaign was given additional breathing space following the coronavirus crisis.
Manchester United boss Solskjaer is prepared to hold fire on rushing Pogba back into the fold (Image: GETTY)
Should City be unsuccessful, the fifth-placed side could qualify for the Champions League.
Either way, securing the return of Europe's elite club competition is deemed essential to their transfer plans.
Top target Jadon Sancho wants to play Champions League football should he leave Borussia Dortmund.
Pogba's return is a huge boost for his team-mates and his star quality can help them achieve just that, but with United unbeaten in 11 matches, Solskjaer is preparing to stick by his guns.
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According to the Daily Mail, Pogba will be on the bench against Tottenham, with the United boss keen to ease him into action.
For now, Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic will all be ahead of Pogba in the pecking order.
Solskjaer has already hinted at limited rolls for both Pogba and Marcus Rashford as the pair prepare to return.
“We’ve had time out so I don’t think we can expect that those lads who’ve missed lots of the football can last the full game," Solskjaer admitted earlier this month.
Man Utd fans are hoping Bruno Fernandes can help bring the best from Paul Pogba (Image: GETTY)
The United boss has also expressed his excitement at the prospect of a partnership between Pogba and Fernandes, which was tested out in a friendly against West Brom last week.
"Paul has had a difficult season. But he's been excited, he's raring to go," said Solskjaer.
"He's worked hard, he's been in a good mood and he's ready to step up now.
"We've seen glimpses in the training sessions and in the [friendly] game against West Brom [how he might combine with Fernandes] but good players can always play together.
"Paul's main thing now is to get his rhythm back, get proper match fit. I don't think anyone can expect Paul and Marcus to be flying straight away. We have to accept they might take a few games before they're really where they were.
"But I'm patient with that, getting game time to make sure he's fit and back to 100 per cent."
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