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Manchester United give Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes early chance to build midfield partnership

Bruno Fernandes/Instagram
Bruno Fernandes/Instagram

Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba have been paired together in training as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prepares to unveil Manchester United’s new look midfield.

United have been carrying out small group training sessions as part of phase one of the Premier League’s project restart.

It has given Pogba a first chance to work alongside Fernandes, who has made a stunning impact since his January move from Sporting Lisbon.

Solskjaer hopes to unleash the pair when top-flight football resumes next month as United aim to secure a top-four finish and pick up silverware in the form of the Europa League and the FA Cup.

Pogba looked certain to leave this summer after an injury-plagued campaign, with Real Madrid and Juventus leading the chase for his signature.

But the devastating financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic has placed major doubts over a move, with no clubs able to meet United’s £150million valuation.

If he stays, Solskjaer hopes he will form a lethal partnership with £47m Fernandes, who has already transformed United’s midfield.

Solskjaer’s squad have been back at their Carrington training base for a week after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Initially players were picked at random to take part in small group, non-contact sessions.

But Solskjaer has now stepped up preparations for football’s return, with players now training in specialised groups – meaning Pogba and Fernandes are now working together on routines.

(Bruno Fernandes/Instagram)
(Bruno Fernandes/Instagram)

Angel Gomes and Nemanja Matic have also been involved.

Luke Shaw has provided some insight into United’s work so far.

“It’s been different because of all the new rules and regulations we’ve had to learn to work with, and we’re still social distancing from one another all the time, but it’s been so nice to be back in the same surroundings as everyone else,” said the defender.

“We’ve been split into different groups in different time slots – half of us in the morning, half in the afternoon.

“I’ve been running with Jamo (Dan James) a lot – he was in my group to start with, and he looked really sharp.

“On Tuesday we saw the group of Paul, Bruno, Angel and Nemanja, and those four are looking very strong and very good. There was a lot of competition and shouting going on in that group. It’s clear that everyone’s still got that winning desire, even in training. We’ve missed that.”

The Premier League have confirmed it is ready to move on to phase two of the restart, which will allow a return to contact training sessions.

Shaw added on United’s website: “I think everyone feels really safe at our training ground because the club has gone to huge lengths to make it that way, and everything has been followed to the letter.

“We’re even more excited because we feel ready and confident for the season to restart.”

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