Paul Pogba's private reaction to Bruno Fernandes taking Man Utd leadership role

Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba have finally been introduced in Man Utd training in recent weeks with the Frenchman said to have enjoyed "bouncing off" his new team-mate, who has assumed a leadership role

Posted Tuesday, June 16, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk

Plenty has changed at Manchester United since Paul Pogba last appeared.

The Frenchman underwent surgery on a long-standing ankle injury in early January after an unsuccessful comeback over the festive period.

He was allowed to undertake the majority of his rehabilitation away from Carrington, heading to Dubai as he took advantage of a warmer climate.

By the time he returned to full training a few weeks ago after the coronavirus pandemic, there was a new main man in the United side.

January signing Bruno Fernandes made a huge impact from the moment he arrived at the club from Sporting Lisbon.

His instant leadership role was talked up by team-mates and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he made a significant impact on and off the pitch.

Bruno Fernandes has already assumed a leadership role at Man Utd

All eyes were on Pogba and Fernandes when the pair finally got to train together in recent weeks.

And, according to The Athletic, Pogba is said to have enjoyed "bouncing off" Fernandes and his passion for the game, reacting positively as the Portuguese playmaker continues to fill a leadership role and be vocal in his high demands of team-mates.

It is claimed they have found a common love for spontaneity and ingenuity, with their good rapport early on proving a major positive.

The pair featured together for the first time in a behind closed doors friendly against West Brom, losing 2-1 despite a glimpse of their on-field rapport as Pogba found Fernandes with a raking, cross-field pass.

Whilst there are some question marks about how they will both fit into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, and with Pogba reportedly unlikely to start against Tottenham on Friday, those at the club are said to be confident they can play with one another.

Former United midfield stalwart Darren Fletcher said last week: "Great players can come together.

"Somebody might have to sacrifice a little bit of something - that's part of being in a team, it's not an individual sport. When you play with a certain midfield, whether it's a midfield three, you adapt your game to complement each other.

"That's what I had to do at United. I was in the team with lots of different midfielders, lots of combinations and, if a certain midfielder was playing, I would try to take up positions to allow him to benefit and he would do things to allow me to benefit.

"It's all about being compatible and recognising the strengths of your fellow team-mates and how to get your best performance, but, ultimately, you might be sacrificing what you do best to allow someone else to excel, which helps the team win."