Bruno Fernandes' Partnership With Marcus Rashford Will Make Man Utd Must-Watch TV

Bruno Fernandes is yet to play with either Pogba or Rashford
Bruno Fernandes is yet to play with either Pogba or Rashford / Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
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One of the biggest talking points as Premier League football returns from a three-month enforced break is the prospect of an on-field partnership between Manchester United midfielders Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, who are yet to play together.

Fernandes’ January arrival came soon after Pogba underwent surgery on a troublesome ankle injury. By the time the Frenchman was ready to return, the coronavirus crisis had halted all football.

Paul Pogba last played for United in December
Paul Pogba last played for United in December / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Now, there is tremendous hope at Old Trafford for what is to come. It has been reported that they have gelled well since training together for the first time earlier this month and have a healthy mutual respect for one another, despite differing personalities.

There is even talk that a blossoming relationship between the pair could result in a willingness from Pogba and United to begin discussing a new contract beyond 2022.

Given the way that Fernandes single-handedly lifted United as soon as he arrived, winning the Premier League’s February Player of the Month award, there is no doubt that someone with the quality and ability of Pogba should thrive alongside him if the club gets the balance right.

But for all that the Pogba/Fernandes partnership has grabbed headlines, there is another yet to be discovered relationship that should have fans just as excited, if not more.

That is because Marcus Rashford, who was maturing in United’s chief talisman in his best season to date prior to suffering a back injury, is also yet to play with Fernandes.

Rashford hasn’t played since 15 January when he appeared from the bench to give United the extra push they needed to beat Wolves in an FA Cup replay. It was a gamble from manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as his star forward was already struggling and the player wound up sidelined.

Yet with Rashford now back, the opportunity to link up with Fernandes is there and the prospect of the latter supplying the former with killer passes should be mouthwatering for fans.

Despite a bizarre insistence from the tabloid press that he is a central striker, Rashford has firmly settled into a role as a wide left forward. It is where he is at his most dangerous and effective and from where he scored 11 goals in his last 14 Premier League appearances.

Rashford is back from a back injury
Rashford is back from a back injury / Visionhaus/Getty Images

Breaking in from the flank causes opposing right-backs and right centre-backs nightmares. He can make use of the channel between them and if Fernandes can deliver the ball into those vulnerable areas, as he has shown he should be capable of, it will serve as huge weapon for United.

Pogba/Fernandes will be a great pairing in midfield, but a Rashford/Fernandes tandem hasn’t been talked about and could be even more devastating as things look up for United.


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