Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes could start together for Manchester United for the first time on Wednesday night and former Red Devils striker Louis Saha feels there is a clear way to get the best out of the two dynamic midfielders.
The Frenchman and the Portuguese had their first half an hour together last Friday as Pogba came off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Spurs after recovering from his lengthy ankle injury.
Now United fans are excited to see more of the two together, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could well start both men against Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
There has been plenty of discussion as to whether the two can play together, and how Solskjaer will get the best of their talents in the same midfield, but Saha thinks it is easily done.
The former striker sees Fernandes’ strength as playing in the number 10 role, with Pogba deeper and imposing his physicality on the middle of midfield, which should allow them to combine perfectly.
‘There is absolutely no reason they can’t play together, they have different qualities,’ Saha told Compare.bet. ‘No one can tell me that Bruno Fernandes can do exactly what Paul Pogba can do and vice versa. They are two very different players.
‘Bruno keeps strikers on their toes with his ability to pick a pass a bit higher up the pitch than Paul. He makes sure they’re constantly moving.
‘Paul Pogba can also play at number 10. I don’t think it’s his best position, but he can do it because he’s technically gifted. He’s at his best from the number eight position.
‘I think Bruno can play deeper too, but Paul is better physically and can hold off two or three opposition players to create from deep.
‘You have to play to Pogba’s strengths and give him freedom.
‘Let’s put him in a position where he can influence the game and enhance the creativity of the side, because that’s what United is all about.
‘Of course, the combination of Pogba and Bruno can be magical, but Scott and Fred have definitely impressed me recently. The four or five midfielders they have are good players, so Ole has great options.’
Solskjaer started with a midfield three of Fernandes, Fred and Scott McTominay against Spurs, so one will miss out if Pogba comes into the starting XI.
With Nemanja Matic also an option, Solskjaer has plenty of quality to choose from in the middle of the park when the Blades come to Old Trafford on Wednesday night,
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