Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince believes Bruno Fernandes’ impressive start has opened the door to Paul Pogba’s exit.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he thinks about playing Fernandes and Paul Pogba together, when the Frenchman returns from injury, but concerns over his future at Old Trafford drag on.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola suggested his clients want a move back to Juventus this summer, as reported by Bleacher Report.
The 26-year-old has only made eight appearances for United this season due to an ankle injury and has been outshone by Fernandes’ arrival.
READ MORE: Man Utd set to play Europa League fixture against LASK behind closed doors
Ince told Paddy Power, as quoted by Metro: “Fans thought Paul Pogba was going to be the star, but look how that panned out.
“If he still wants to leave I’d say it would be far easier for Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] to do so now that Bruno [Fernandes] is around. It doesn’t feel like they need him anymore.
“His truly great games have been few and far between, so the current situation could suit club and player.
“If he does come back before the end of the season, he’s not even going to get in the team. He’s going to have to fight for his place — if he even gets one.”
Fernandes has been a revelation for United since joining from Sporting Lisbon.
He’s got two goals and three assists in five Premier League appearances.
Ince is quick to suggest Fernandes will reach hero status at United, adding, “Every club, every set of fans want to have a hero, and he’s going to be that for Man United.
“When he goes to take a corner, the fans are going wild for him, they love him, he can be a real hero.
“I’m talking a Paul Scholes or an Eric Cantona — he can be one of those types of heroes for the club. I’m not saying in terms of performances, or level of football, but United haven’t had a hero in their team for a long, long time.
“He’s going everything right at the moment, including the ‘shh’ gesture to Pep Guardiola, which was always going to be a sure way to win over the fans.
“It’s good to see someone joining with ab bit of character, too.”
It’s early days but we have been extremely impressed by Fernandes, and he is everything we wanted in Pogba, with the leadership qualities which are a huge bonus.
Manchester United are next in action on Thursday night against LASK. With the race for top four stepping up and a pretty easy last-16 tie in Europe you’ve got to fancy our chances if we keep up this form.
