Bruno leading pack as Reds get into groove
UNITED are back at Carrington after a weekend away from the club’s training complex as they continue their preparations for their season-resuming fixture against Tottenham next Friday.
United’s players contested a practice match against each other at Old Trafford on Saturday before a day off on Sunday, but were back to the daily grind at the Aon Training Complex at the beginning of the week.
United released a short highlights package from Monday’s session and there was plenty to glean from it. Here are five things we spotted...
■ BRUNO CAN DO THE LOT
Bruno Fernandes has only played nine games for United but he is already a fans’ favourite due to his performances.
A record of three goals and four assists speaks for itself, but the Portuguese has also brought a new lease of life to the side, a drive and invention they were previously lacking.
It also turns out he can do more than just the creative stuff and he didn’t hesitate to get stuck in during a practise drill. On multiple occasions Fernandes could be seeing rushing and harrying his opponents and he put a nice sliding tackle in on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
■ GOMES AND GARNER
James Garner and Angel Gomes operated as the floaters in the drill. For those that don’t know, floaters are players who only play for the team that is in possession.
Gomes showed off a clever turn to avoid a tackle and showed some nice touches whereas Garner’s ball retention was immaculate.
There is a lot of intrigue surrounding both players as we head towards the season’s resumption, with Gomes’ contract situation and Garner’s lack of game in 2020 prompting uncertainty over their futures at the club. Gomes could leave this summer while United are considering a loan deal for Garner next term.
With the Premier League increasing the amount of substitutes permitted for the restart, the pair could be set for chances in the run-in.
■ GREAT PIECE OF POGBA SKILL
It feels like an absolute age since Paul Pogba was lining up in the United side but he provided a reminder in training of just how talented he is.
The midfielder has been limited to just eight appearances this season due to ankle issues but, after undergoing surgery in January, he is fit and ready to return.
Although he hasn’t played since Boxing Day, Pogba hasn’t lost his touch and displayed a wonderful piece of skill in the match, as he exchanged a lovely one-two with Angel Gomes with a flicked pass behind his leg.
■ RASHFORD AND BRUNO LINK-UP
The footage may have only shown a brief snippet of them passing the ball to each other, but seeing Fernandes and Marcus Rashford on the same side in training will be enough to get United fans excited.
Rashford suffered a back injury in January which ruled him out of action for months prior to Fernandes’ arrival, meaning the pair are yet to play together.
■ JOEL PEREIRA’S RETURN
Along with the usual faces of David de Gea, Sergio Romero, Lee Grant and Nathan Bishop in goalkeeper training, there was Joel Pereira. The 23-yearold took part in his first session since returning from a disappointing loan spell at Scottish side Hearts last month after the Scottish Premiership was ended early.
Bruno Fernandes has brought a new lease of life to the side, a drive and intervention previously lacking Daniel Murphy