MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 17:54:12| >> :120:4613:4613:

Paul Pogba: 'It is a joy to play with Bruno Fernandes'

Paul Pogba: 'It is a joy to play with Bruno Fernandes'
© Reuters
Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes have helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Paul Pogba says it is a joy to play alongside Bruno Fernandes as the Manchester United midfielder continues to kick on after injury.

The 28-year-old missed six weeks with a hamstring issue picked up in early February and returned with a bang, coming off the bench to fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side to victory at AC Milan in the Europa League.

Pogba has since helped United into the semi-finals and consolidate second place in the Premier League, with the side going for a fifth straight win when Burnley visit on Sunday.

The Clarets inflicted an embarrassing 2-0 defeat on their last visit to Old Trafford in January 2020 – one of the lowest moments of the Red Devils' season, which was swiftly followed by the big-money acquisition of Fernandes.

The 26-year-old has surpassed the lofty expectations that came with his move from Sporting Lisbon and Pogba loves what he brings to the club.

"I enjoy playing with Bruno," Pogba told MUTV. "He's someone who understands the game and understands the movement that can give you a beautiful pass, he can finish too.

"He's all over the place, he can do everything really... except defending! But really, it's always a joy to play him, to understand him. He understands me as well, he can take my position, I can take his position as well.

"I think he suits the team, he's a very dominant influence in our team."

Fernandes is one of a number of leaders within the United dressing room along with the likes of Pogba, who was given the armband for Thursday's 2-0 Europa League quarter-final second leg win against Granada in the absence of suspended skipper Harry Maguire.

There also appears to be a growing camaraderie within the dressing room – a boost as they look to win their first trophy since 2017.

Manchester United are on a good run of form
Manchester United are on a good run of form (Adrian Dennis/PA)

"I'm just myself with the guys and if it can help them to be relaxed and be happy and have a good performance, then I will keep doing it obviously," Pogba said.

"I think it's important to have a group that gel well together because football is teamwork and you have to be with everyone, you have to be connected, that's how you win. When you're connected like this, it's easier to win."

It seems a far cry from the end of the Jose Mourinho era, with Pogba criticising the former United boss this week.

Paul Pogba has spoken out about Jose Mourinho's management style
Paul Pogba has spoken out about Jose Mourinho's management style (John Walton/PA)

The 28-year-old appears to be enjoying life under successor Solskjaer and has slotted into the side since returning from injury.

"I feel good, I feel much better," Pogba said. "I came back from the injury, went with the national team and played.

"Now I've just got my rhythm a bit. The connection is right and I feel good. I feel free, I feel myself. That's great."

ID:443564: cacheID:443564:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8566:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid's Raphael Varane in action against Cadiz in La Liga on October 17, 2020
Read Next:
Chelsea 'ready to rival Man United for Varane'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!