With the return of the Premier League just around the corner many Manchester United fans are getting more and more excited about the prospect of seeing Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba link up in what is by far the most promising United team in many years.
The anticipation is real. Prior to the suspension of the league Ole’s men were unbeaten in every game that our new Portuguese Magnifico has played in. This highlights the spark that was lit by Fernandes’ arrival to the Theatre of Dreams. From the first class quality in his play, to the determined work rate, he has been a breath of fresh air, and more importantly, the bit of star quality that we have been missing for some time.
With Bruno’s arrival, everyone around him improved. Anthony Martial formed the most noticeable, instant partnership with the former Sporting Lisbon captain, which was highlighted at the reds’ last competitive outing at Old Trafford when Bruno picked out Martial with a sneaky lobbed dead ball in the Manchester derby for our opener. Everyone else picked up their game too, from Harry Maguire to Fred and even Nemanja Matic. The signing seemed to be a turning point.
Of course, the season was then brought to a stop, rightly but also frustratingly as it was the best we had been since Ole first took the caretaker role. However, it could be a blessing in disguise with the return of two of United’s most important players in Marcus Rashford and Pogba who both had been out for a long period before the break.
Having both Fernandes and Pogba behind Rashford and Martial could be electric. It is certainly the most promising United’s attack has looked in recent season, possibly even since Sir Alex Ferguson has retired. The movement of Rashford, along with the creatvity and ability of both Bruno and Pogba is quite frightening, and with Martial around too, it could be quite special if they all click.
United fans will be praying that we can push on and secure a Champions League place in the next two months, and then hopefully build a team to challenge at the top end of the league for the first time in years. Bringing in Jadon Sancho, which the club is highly backed to do, would be another large step towards the potential return of trophies to Old Trafford, which Ole will be dreaming about, but also simply aiming for as he knows where the club should be, and understands the club need trophies.
Opinions on Pogba have mixed over the last few season. Some weeks he is certain of a move away, and others he looks happier than ever in Manchester. Recently, albeit looking at training snapshots, he looks at home. He looks like he is about to show his true quality more consistently. It all might be false hope, but boy is that hope worth having when we have such a top quality player in our squad. We will have to wait and see, but Bruno’s work rate could free up Pogba to play his attacking game without having to think as much about his defensive responsibilities. Bruno could be the answer to the question so many have been asking: ‘How do we get the best out of Paul Pogba?’
We will watch Bruno and Pogba play together for the first time a week today, and if both play to their full potential, it could be bright future for United.
First thing is first, having said all of that, let’s beat Jose’s Spurs and then push on for Top Four, as well as the FA Cup and even Europa League. That would be a good start.