Paul Pogba says Bruno Fernandes ‘understands’ him and can ‘do everything… except defending’

Manchester United stand-in skipper Paul Pogba has hailed midfield partner Bruno Fernandes and the ‘connected’ team spirit that has led to a run of just one defeat in 19 matches.

Pogba has scored twice and provided three goals since returning from a hamstring problem in mid-March, combining creatively with Fernandes at the heart of United’s impressive run in the Premier League and Europa League.

The captain in United’s 2-0 midweek win over Granada told MUTV: ‘I enjoy playing with Bruno. He’s someone who understands the game and understands the movement that can give you a beautiful pass.

Paul Pogba (left) has spoken gushingly about fellow midfielder Bruno Fernandes at Man United

Pogba set up the opener in a 2-0 victory over Granada on Thursday as the pair impressed again

‘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. He suits the team –he’s a very dominant influence.’

There were fears that club record signing Pogba and £47m Fernandes would not be able to bring the best out of each other following the Portugal playmaker’s arrival in January 2020.

Those concerns have been allayed by a season in which the form of both players has helped United to cement second place in the league, with Fernandes contributing 20 goals and 10 assists so far. 

Fernandes has had an outstanding term for United as one of the Premier League’s best players

Speaking about the team spirit at the club, 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.’

Pogba has spoken about the compression arm sleeve which he wore again while deputising for regular captain Harry Maguire at Old Trafford on Thursday. 

United are targeting a fourth successive Premier League home win against Burnley on Sunday

The 27-year-old explained: ‘It started with the pain, I had [in the left elbow]. It’s tight on my elbow. 

‘It actually started with my right elbow, so I put it on my right, and I had the same problem with my left, so I started playing with this to get it warm instead of the strapping.  

‘I’ve been playing with this and it’s just natural now, just for security. Now it’s [associated with] me. When people see that, they think of me. It just becomes me.’