Man Utd are puckering up to face Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham in the Premier League next week and Paul Pogba looks most likely to play a big role.
Needless to say, the big question in every Old Trafford fan’s mind ahead of the Premier League return next week is whether Pogba and Fernandes would be paired as a match stategy.
It’s not rocket science, obviously. Pogba and Fernandes are two of the most talented midfielders at United and it makes absolutely perfect sense to harness the skills and talents of these two in midfield against Tottenham, considering the key role that Fernandes has played in helping turn the United situation around since his arrival. Let’s also not forget that Pogba is still regarded widely as one of the best players in the world today, injuries aside, with even ace managers like Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane willing to chop off a limb to sign him on.
Yet there’s a stumbling block which could muddle up the situation a little. The entire football world knows Pogba has not started a match since last September, with his last appearance coming as a half-time substitute on Boxing Day.
While the three-month enforced break might well have acted like a pre-season for everyone in the squad but it would still be one massive leap of faith to expect the French midfielder to come back and sizzle right off the starting blocks after almost half a year without playing competitively.
Pogba and Fernandes both arrived at a similarly opportune time for the friendly match against the Baggies, with the occasion marking the first time the duo have played together in any of the behind-closed-doors encounters. The midfield duo were on opposite sides in the intra-squad friendlies at Old Trafford and Carrington that took place last Saturday and on Tuesday respectively.
With such attacking force on display it was no surprise to see Nemanja Matic in the team for the first match, and Solskjaer knows striking the right balance in his midfield will be key when the season resumes.
The fact the midfield pairing is being tested out ahead of the Premier League return will excite United’s fans, but it would still be an incredibly gutsy move for Solskjaer to use such an expansive system in a game they will be expected to have to defend in.
Tottenham are well aware that they would have to bring out their best to avoid defeat to keep any hopes of Champions League qualification alive.
Solskjaer would certainly be keen for Pogba and Fernandes to play together as soon as possible.