‘It’s not all about Bruno and Pogba’
UNITED coach Michael Carrick is confident Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes will prove to be an effective partnership in the Reds’ midfield.
Ahead of the Premier League restart, there was excitement over a possible link-up between the duo.
Both were named in the starting line-up for the 3-0 win over Sheffield United after dovetailing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium five days earlier.
There were questions over whether a midfield trio consisting of both Fernandes and Pogba would have enough defensive stability, but Carrick is confident United are capable of striking the right balance in the centre of the pitch.
“It is understandable why a lot of the questions are ‘can they play together’ because they are two fantastic talents,” said former midfielder Carrick.
“We feel we’ve got a really good balance in midfield between all the lads really. It is kind of unfair to single them out asking ‘can they play together’ because the other boys have done a terrific job and will have plenty to say as well.
“Of course, the talk is about Bruno and Paul and I’m sure they can play together. That’s why they are both here at the club and I’m sure they are looking forward to it. But as Bruno and Paul would totally understand me saying, it is not just about them.”
Nemanja Matic, Fred, Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira are other midfield options for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Carrick says all will have a part to play in the bid to play Champions League football next season.
“We’ve got so many other options with lads who have already proven what they bring to the team. It is exciting to have that,” he added. “They all bring something different.”