Ole wants to rein in Blues
THE immediate impact of Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford has changed the narrative around United’s midfield, away from the missing man in Paul Pogba and towards an idea that there is now a clear template for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to follow.
The £47m January signing has certainly added an injection of creativity that was badly needed in the centre of the pitch.
With Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic all impressing in deeper roles, what had been a problem position for most of the season suddenly looks relatively well stocked.
So well stocked, in fact, that some people have wondered whether Pogba has a fight on his hands to get back in the United side when he returns to fitness.
That decision might be looming for Solskjaer, who gave a positive update on the World Cup winner on Wednesday.
Pogba is due back in full training this week and while a return against LASK Linz or Tottenham might well be too soon, he could potentially feature in the Europa League return at Old Trafford or on the weekend before the international break, when United will face Norwich in the FA Cup quarter-final. This is all presuming there isn’t another setback – and given the uncertainty that has surrounded Pogba’s injuries this season we shouldn’t take anything for granted.
But presuming he is fit and available for selection, does he go straight back into the United midfield?
Of course he does.
Pogba is undoubtedly part of United’s strongest side and even if his return is one final hurrah before a summer departure, he can have a role to play between now and May.
In his extended absence Fred and McTominay, in particular, have stepped up. Their performances have pleased Solskjaer and the scenario of Pogba departing Old Trafford is now more palatable than it was a year ago.
But if you were picking a United team for a cup final when everyone is fit and available, the first choice midfield would surely be Fred, Pogba and Fernandes.
The suspicion around Pogba is understandable, given his public desire to leave the club this summer and his brief contributions this season that amount to just 662 minutes. He hasn’t performed to the level expected since the early days of Solskjaer’s tenure and more is required.
At the same time he has a point to prove. His stock has plummeted at Old Trafford, he needs form and fitness ahead of Euro 2020 and if he wants a move he needs to show his ability to potential suitors, especially with reports in Spain that Real Madrid might have cooled their interest.
United should exploit those needs to try and get the best out of Pogba.
Now they have progressed past Derby County in the FA Cup, and should they get past LASK Linz in the Europa League, Solskjaer’s side will be fighting on three fronts – still with a chance of finishing in the top four.
Competition for places is needed but in many of those games you need your best players as well and Pogba is certainly one of those.
There is an argument that the arrival of Fernandes could bring out the best in Pogba. He has always thrived in a team with good players around him, rather than shouldering the burden of driving a team forward.
A link-up between Pogba and Fernandes would be exciting to see, and the former might well wish to prove a point given how quickly the latter has settled into life with
United. This hasn’t been the season Pogba or United would have hoped for when his move didn’t materialise last summer. There is still time for the 26-year-old to make a significant impact, but he has to go straight back into the team to do that.