Bruno Fernandes praises Paul Pogba

New Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has praised fellow midfielder Paul Pogba ahead of what is potentially their first game together.

Pogba was out injured when Fernandes arrived from Sporting Lisbon in the winter transfer window, with the 27-year-old French international rumoured to be set on a move away from Old Trafford in the summer.

It appears that a combination of that injury, Pogba’s poor form for the past four years, and the financial impact of the coronavirus have dashed his chances of moving on this summer, with both Real Madrid and Juventus reluctant to spend big on the player.

There is even talk of a new contract for Pogba in a move of convenience which would suit both parties’ immediate financial concerns, giving a raise to the player and insuring the value of the player as an asset of the club.

United are set to play their first post-suspension Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday evening, and with Pogba fit again after surgery, he could line up alongside Fernandes in United’s midfield.

The 25-year-old Portuguese international talked to talkSPORT about his teammate, saying:

“I think everyone is excited to see Paul Pogba play again. He’s had a long time out injured and to play alongside him will be amazing.

“We have a lot of good players and the most important thing is the result for Manchester United. Everyone wants to play with the best players and Pogba is one of them.”

United have a chance of challenging for a Champions League place but much will depend on City’s planned appeal against European ban, which was incurred after a series of financial transgressions as they attempted to meet Financial Fair Play requirements.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s club are currently in fifth place but Sheffield United will also consider themselves in the running to qualify.