'Pogba and Bruno Fernandes may have to make sacrifices in top four push'
Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes will need to make individual 'sacrifices' during the club's race for a top four spot, according to long-serving former midfielder Darren Fletcher.
The 36-year-old represented the Old Trafford outfit for over 20 years across various levels, making 342 appearances, and has warned United's talented duo that football is 'not an individual sport'.
Pogba has suffered an injury-hit season, but will feature alongside January arrival Fernandes when United return to Premier League action next week against Tottenham.
Fletcher was the latest guest as part of MUTV's Group Chat, and gave invaluable insight into how the superstar pairing will be able to lead United to success over the coming months.
When questioned whether Pogba and Fernandes are capable of being fielded alongside each other, Fletcher said: 'Without doubt, of course. Great players can come together.'
He then added: 'Somebody might have to sacrifice a little bit of something - that's part of being in a team, it's not an individual sport. When you play with a certain midfield, whether it's a midfield three, you adapt your game to complement each other.
'That's what I had to do at United. I was in the team with lots of different midfielders, lots of combinations and, if a certain midfielder was playing, I would try to take up positions to allow him to benefit and he would do things to allow me to benefit.
'It's all about being compatible and recognising the strengths of your fellow team-mates and how to get your best performance, but, ultimately, you might be sacrificing what you do best to allow someone else to excel, which helps the team win.'
Fernandes has already endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful after joining from Sporting Lisbon in the winter transfer window.
The 25-year-old has scored three goals and registered three assists across nine appearances, and Fletcher is already impressed by what he has seen from the playmaker.
'I think he's been fantastic. His ability has been there for everyone to see. For me, it's been his personality and his attitude,' the Scot added.
'He tries things, he tries difficult passes but, when he gives it away, it's his reaction after he does it. It's fantastic, his hunger to try and get the ball back. He doesn't throw his arms up in the air or sulk and moan.
'He's bossing people on the pitch, he's taking responsibility. He's looked like the epitome of a Manchester United player. He wants to be there, he wants the ball, he demands the ball.'
Fletcher, in a similar ilk to United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, also emphasised the importance of personality at the club and lauded praise on Fernandes for possessing the right characteristics.
He said: 'He's seen Old Trafford as his theatre and he's relishing it. He's sort of been a breath of fresh air with personality more than anything, which is what you need to play for Man United.
'Ability's not enough. You need personality to play for Manchester United and he epitomizes it.'
Both Pogba and Fernandes started in tandem during part of United's friendly clashes with West Brom at Old Trafford on Friday, with the Premier League outfit losing the opening game before winning the second.
The 36-year-old represented the Old Trafford outfit for over 20 years across various levels, making 342 appearances, and has warned United's talented duo that football is 'not an individual sport'.
Pogba has suffered an injury-hit season, but will feature alongside January arrival Fernandes when United return to Premier League action next week against Tottenham.
Fletcher was the latest guest as part of MUTV's Group Chat, and gave invaluable insight into how the superstar pairing will be able to lead United to success over the coming months.
When questioned whether Pogba and Fernandes are capable of being fielded alongside each other, Fletcher said: 'Without doubt, of course. Great players can come together.'
He then added: 'Somebody might have to sacrifice a little bit of something - that's part of being in a team, it's not an individual sport. When you play with a certain midfield, whether it's a midfield three, you adapt your game to complement each other.
'That's what I had to do at United. I was in the team with lots of different midfielders, lots of combinations and, if a certain midfielder was playing, I would try to take up positions to allow him to benefit and he would do things to allow me to benefit.
'It's all about being compatible and recognising the strengths of your fellow team-mates and how to get your best performance, but, ultimately, you might be sacrificing what you do best to allow someone else to excel, which helps the team win.'
Fernandes has already endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful after joining from Sporting Lisbon in the winter transfer window.
The 25-year-old has scored three goals and registered three assists across nine appearances, and Fletcher is already impressed by what he has seen from the playmaker.
'I think he's been fantastic. His ability has been there for everyone to see. For me, it's been his personality and his attitude,' the Scot added.
'He tries things, he tries difficult passes but, when he gives it away, it's his reaction after he does it. It's fantastic, his hunger to try and get the ball back. He doesn't throw his arms up in the air or sulk and moan.
'He's bossing people on the pitch, he's taking responsibility. He's looked like the epitome of a Manchester United player. He wants to be there, he wants the ball, he demands the ball.'
Fletcher, in a similar ilk to United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, also emphasised the importance of personality at the club and lauded praise on Fernandes for possessing the right characteristics.
He said: 'He's seen Old Trafford as his theatre and he's relishing it. He's sort of been a breath of fresh air with personality more than anything, which is what you need to play for Man United.
'Ability's not enough. You need personality to play for Manchester United and he epitomizes it.'
Both Pogba and Fernandes started in tandem during part of United's friendly clashes with West Brom at Old Trafford on Friday, with the Premier League outfit losing the opening game before winning the second.
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