Paul Pogba delivers Bruno Fernandes verdict as Man Utd star vows to ‘work even more’

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Paul Pogba has hailed the impact of Bruno Fernandes since the Portuguese midfielder joined Manchester United one year ago this month. Fernandes has established himself as the club’s star man over the last 12 months with consistently strong performances and no shortage of contributions at the top end of the pitch.

Fernandes has scored 28 goals and provided 18 assists for the Red Devils, with his unbelievable form earning him the Premier League’s Player of the Month award on a record four occasions last year.

The 26-year-old has taken a large portion of the team’s creative burden from Pogba, who was previously regarded as United’s main creator but often saw his influence restricted from his deep-lying role.

The Frenchman has claimed that he enjoys playing alongside Fernandes, with their partnership proving fruitful on a number of occasions.

“Since Bruno arrived he brings his energy, passing shooting, scoring goals, creativity,” Pogba told BT Sport before Wednesday’s clash with Sheffield United at Old Trafford.

“Even though I’m deeper, he’s there in front to create as well and it’s always good to have two players who can create anytime, and one is more defensive and the other is offensive.”

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Pogba continued, revealing that he does not feel that he needs to outshine Fernandes despite the latter assuming his role as United’s new key man.

“It suits both of us,” added Pogba. “We’ve been doing well. I wouldn’t say less pressure is on me because nowadays, Bruno, if he’s not in form people want to speak about this.

“It’s not about that, it’s about being more complete as a team. Me that can create deeper, having that pass. And him that can create close to the goal with the shots and making the assist.

“It’s not about pressure, people will always speak, but that means you are doing well, and you think how you can do better, take it as a positive, always as a positive challenge.”

Pogba has arguably been more influential for United than Fernandes in recent weeks, with the World Cup winner scoring decisive goals against Burnley and Fulham.

He revealed that he plays his best football when under pressure, insisting that criticism and scrutiny only make him work harder.

“I need to have this pressure, always playing against big players, big teams, it’s positive pressure,” said Pogba.

“This is my engine, I need to have that good or bad. I know if I play well or don’t play well.

“If people speak good I will always be working, if people speak bad I work even more.”

It appears as though Pogba could be set to stay in Manchester for at least another season despite recent rumours of a potential return to former employers Juventus.

The midfielder’s agent, Mino Raiola, claimed in December that his client was unhappy at Old Trafford and seeking a move away.

However, his comments were swiftly dismissed by Pogba who told supporters on Instagram that he remains as committed as ever to the Red Devils.

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