Premier League English

Fernandes puzzled by Pogba doubters as World Cup winner finds his spark

All of a sudden the Red Devils seem to have plenty of match-winners in their side, as a Portuguese playmaker pays tribute to the Frenchman alongside him.

United’s midfield dynamo Bruno Fernandes is baffled by the naysayers who continue to doubt teammate Paul Pogba’s ability and the value he adds to the Red Devils’ cause, especially after the World Cup winner caught the eye again in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

Questions have again arisen over the Frenchman’s contribution during his second tenure at Old Trafford. With Pogba, there’s never been any doubts about his talent. It’s only his inconsistency that has proven problematic, aside from his whimsical attitude that has often be interpreted as not showing full commitment to the United cause. 

However, on the day of the Aston Villa match, the 27-year-old showed he is still capable of being a match-winner, with the challenge now being to showcase his winning attributes on the pitch consistently.

Pogba caught the eye in this most recent outing, winning the penalty that allowed Fernandes to clinch the narrow win at home.

United playmaker Fernandes told the club’s official website post-match:

“I think today Paul was top. The first goal he makes a good skill, he comes off from a player so easily.

“But we all know the qualities he has. I think it is not in doubt.

“I hope people are not in doubt on the qualities of Paul because we know he can play, he can help us and he can play really well. He was [involved] in both goals.

“In the penalty you see one of the best he can do, cover the ball and going away from his player, and I think he will give more and more and more with the confidence coming game after game.”

With the Villa victory in hand, United has now drawn level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, with eight wins taken from their last 10 top-flight fixtures, and Fernandes believes the Red Devils are ready to deliver on expectation.

He added:

“I think we are building something important. We know that. The most important for us is building a team. Building a group of players who take care of each other.”