Former Manchester United star Paul Ince believes that the instant impact made by Bruno Fernandes has opened the door to Paul Pogba’s Old Trafford exit.
The World Cup winner has been heavily linked with a move away from United, with agent Mino Raiola suggesting Pogba wants a move back to Juventus this summer.
The 26-year-old has made just two substitute appearances since September, and is yet to return to first-team training after suffering from an ankle injury.
Former England midfielder Ince told Paddy Power: ‘Fans thought Paul Pogba was going to be the star, but look how that panned out.
‘If he still wants to leave I’d say it would be far easier for Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] to do so now that Bruno is around. It doesn’t feel like they need him anymore.
‘His truly great games have been few and far between, so the current situation could suit club and player.
‘If he does come back before the end of the season, he’s not even going to get in the team. He’s going to have to fight for his place – if he even gets one.’
Portugal international Fernandes has been a revelation for United since joining in January from Sporting Lisbon.
In just five Premier League appearances, the 25-year-old has notched two goals and three assists.
Ince believes Fernandes will go down as a United hero, and added: ‘Every club, every set of fans want to have a hero, and he’s going to be that for Man United.
‘When he goes to take a corner, the fans are going wild for him, they love him, he can be a real hero.
‘I’m talking a Paul Scholes or an Eric Cantona – he can be one of those types of heroes for the club. I’m not saying in terms of performances, or level of football, but United haven’t had a hero in their team for a long, long time.
‘He’s doing everything right at the moment, including the ‘shh’ gesture to Pep Guardiola, which was always going to be a sure way to win over the fans.
‘It’s good to see someone joining with a bit of character, too.’
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