Scott already learning from special Bru...
Solskjaer says new United signing Fernandes is already setting the perfect example for young midfielder to follow
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer believes Scott McTominay will benefit from a midfield link-up with £47m man Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese playmaker has had an immediate impact on the United squad, not just with his performances but with his leadership and a demand for high standards too. Those were on show again in the 3-0 FA Cup win at Pride Park on Thursday night.
While United eventually ran out easy winners against Derby County, they were sluggish in the first halfhour and Fernandes wasn’t afraid to let his team-mates know they had to improve.
That included a demand for more from McTominay when a pass into Fernandes went astray, but rather than shrink next to the Portugal international, Solskjaer insists the partnership between the two could be the making of McTominay.
Fernandes and McTominay have started the last three games together since the academy graduate’s rapid return from injury and they will continue in midfield, alongside Fred, against City at Old Trafford today.
“Bruno can help him. Bruno is going to give us loads, definitely, and he is going to help the young kids,” Solskjaer said of his January signing.
“I wouldn’t call Scotty a kid, he is 22, but he is still learning the game. But Bruno knows it, he has been around, he’s travelled, he’s had his ups and downs. He has been in Italy, Portugal so he has learned to deal with setbacks, so he will help them.”
In Harry Maguire’s absence Juan Mata captained United at Derby, but Solskjaer believes Fernandes’ shows of leadership have forced some of his team-mates to step up as well. “He is a leader but also other players stepped up. You see Victor [on Thursday],” he said. “Harry has been a leader. I expect my more experienced players to grab hold of the game if it pans out that way.”
McTominay suffered knee ligament damage on New Year’s Day but returned from injury in less than two months and has now started three games in eight days. Solskjaer believes he will need time to get his best form back but praised his desire to get back on the pitch as quickly as he could. “Scotty has been important for us but he needs games as well to get back to his level that he was before he got injured,” said Solskjaer. “It takes time when you’ve been out for two months so he’s getting there, he has done remarkably well in his recovery and to be back so quickly, we are delighted.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
I wouldn’t call Scotty a kid, he is 22, but he is still learning the game. Bruno can help him