Man Utd cannot pass up Bruno Fernandes and Pogba opportunity
Manchester United look a team transformed since January, largely thanks to the spectacular impact of Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side a creative outlet so often missing in recent years, and the presence of a dedicated defence-splitting midfielder means they are no longer over-reliant on counterattacks.
But United were not completely without a world-class midfielder before. Remember Paul Pogba, their World Cup-winning record signing? The Frenchman has missed 40 games through injury this season and speculation linking him with a move away from United is never far away.
But with United well-positioned to qualify for the Champions League should this season resume, making statement signings like Fernandes and challenging the best in the Premier League again, could he be tempted to stay?
Of course, that begs one key question: is there space for both Pogba and Fernandes in Solskjaer's resurgent United side? The answer is yes.
One of the most difficult and frustrating aspects of Pogba's time at United has been the need for him to be a box-to-box midfielder.
With Fernandes on board, that's no longer the case. The Portuguese has proven himself more than capable of providing that final killer pass. So, without pushing him out of the side, Fernandes' presence at United could instead bring the very best out of Pogba.
With Fernandes taking care of things further up the pitch as a dedicated playmaker, Pogba can assume a more disciplined role like the one he plays for the France team.
The Frenchman's presence would certainly help United against more stubborn sides.
They have struggled to break down defensive teams in recent years, but with two world-class midfielders to call on they will find things easier.
Fernandes likes drifting into space on the wings, and while strong defensive sides may crowd out the midfielder, Pogba can cause chaos by filling that gap in the centre if opposing defenders are drawn out wide.
Fernandes and Pogba are also a versatile pairing. Fernandes can play ahead of Pogba, or directly alongside him depending on United's tactical approach, always with a dedicated defensive midfielder behind the two. Alternatively, Fernandes and Pogba can play alongside each other in midfield with each filling that number 10 spot in rotation when necessary.
This added flexibility – having players so readily capable of playing anywhere between defence and attack – is a huge positive for United and makes them a far more balanced side.
The key is being able to adapt if plan A fails. Pogba's versatility is invaluable, but he has been over-used out of position in recent years. With Fernandes, United can now utilise Pogba's utility without burning him out.
In Pogba's absence, Fernandes has played in midfield alongside a rejuvenated Fred, with Nemanja Matic or Scott McTominay also sitting in front of the defence. This has worked a treat for Solskjaer, but bringing Pogba back into the fold could improve United further.
The Portuguese has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side a creative outlet so often missing in recent years, and the presence of a dedicated defence-splitting midfielder means they are no longer over-reliant on counterattacks.
But United were not completely without a world-class midfielder before. Remember Paul Pogba, their World Cup-winning record signing? The Frenchman has missed 40 games through injury this season and speculation linking him with a move away from United is never far away.
But with United well-positioned to qualify for the Champions League should this season resume, making statement signings like Fernandes and challenging the best in the Premier League again, could he be tempted to stay?
Of course, that begs one key question: is there space for both Pogba and Fernandes in Solskjaer's resurgent United side? The answer is yes.
One of the most difficult and frustrating aspects of Pogba's time at United has been the need for him to be a box-to-box midfielder.
With Fernandes on board, that's no longer the case. The Portuguese has proven himself more than capable of providing that final killer pass. So, without pushing him out of the side, Fernandes' presence at United could instead bring the very best out of Pogba.
With Fernandes taking care of things further up the pitch as a dedicated playmaker, Pogba can assume a more disciplined role like the one he plays for the France team.
The Frenchman's presence would certainly help United against more stubborn sides.
They have struggled to break down defensive teams in recent years, but with two world-class midfielders to call on they will find things easier.
Fernandes likes drifting into space on the wings, and while strong defensive sides may crowd out the midfielder, Pogba can cause chaos by filling that gap in the centre if opposing defenders are drawn out wide.
Fernandes and Pogba are also a versatile pairing. Fernandes can play ahead of Pogba, or directly alongside him depending on United's tactical approach, always with a dedicated defensive midfielder behind the two. Alternatively, Fernandes and Pogba can play alongside each other in midfield with each filling that number 10 spot in rotation when necessary.
This added flexibility – having players so readily capable of playing anywhere between defence and attack – is a huge positive for United and makes them a far more balanced side.
The key is being able to adapt if plan A fails. Pogba's versatility is invaluable, but he has been over-used out of position in recent years. With Fernandes, United can now utilise Pogba's utility without burning him out.
In Pogba's absence, Fernandes has played in midfield alongside a rejuvenated Fred, with Nemanja Matic or Scott McTominay also sitting in front of the defence. This has worked a treat for Solskjaer, but bringing Pogba back into the fold could improve United further.
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