Former Chelsea hero Joe Cole issues advice over the use of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United

Speaking on BT Sport Score (h/t Express), former Chelsea star Joe Cole has said that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba will add ‘nothing’ to the Red Devils side when he returns from injury, believing that Bruno Fernandes could be the answer for United’s midfield problems in a deeper role.

Pogba and Fernandes are arguably two of United’s biggest midfield stars, and also some of the Premier League’s best talents operating in the middle of the pitch. The two superstars have been major contributors to the Red Devils’ goals during their time at Old Trafford, with a few dazzling individual performances seen from the players at times.

United’s midfield has been identified as their weak link this season and is an area that has faced a lot of criticism. Cole, however, believes that Fernandes playing deeper than usual, in a No.8 position, could sort out this issue for the Manchester club.

“Well I agree in the sentiment that the midfield is the area they need to strengthen. I can’t have that Bruno Fernandes isn’t the man. Playing in this deeper role I think he’s pressed well, he’s looked to probe.”

Although Fernandes has spent the majority of his United career to date operating as a No. 10 for the team, Cole feels that this Red Devils side needs the Portuguese in the middle of the park to push United’s regular pivot Scott McTominay and Fred, and also to compliment the balance the midfield players have. This is a space that Pogba usually operates in, but the Frenchman has been out for a significant period of time due to a thigh injury.

Pogba has recently returned to training with the first team again, and it is expected that the 28-year-old will slot right into his old slot in midfield, replacing either Fred or McTominay, to partner up with Fernandes. Speculation is rife at the moment about the Frenchman’s future at the club, however, with the player out of contract at United this summer.

With the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain interested in sealing the midfield star’s signature, Cole believes that the player’s race is run at United, with Fernandes not only a better player than Pogba but also a better replacement.

“I don’t think Pogba adds anything to this side. Ever since Bruno Fernandes walked through the door, I think he’s just a percentage better than Pogba in all areas and there’s only room for one of them in the team because of egos. So I think his time is done. He needs a new challenge.”

Pogba has always been a favourite character for football pundits, with his name being regularly tossed around in the media, usually with a negative connotation rather than attributing a positive twist to it. This time, even before he’s returned to the field, Cole has issued a statement saying that the midfielder adds nothing to our squad and could be replaced by a teammate.

The player is usually strong-headed to ignore what the media says and concentrate on his game, but the lack of any news on Pogba’s contract situation is worrying and does not bode well for the Frenchman in this instance. Fernandes and Pogba have often combined well together, despite critics saying that the team cannot handle two big superstars in the same role, but with Pogba not committing his future to United yet, it does him more harm than good.

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United’s record-signing hasn’t exactly set the Old Trafford stage alight since his return from Italy, with only flashes of brilliance on display for the United fans to see and appreciate him for. Fernandes, meanwhile, has come in and become an instant fan favourite, regularly churning out match-winning performances for the team and playing with passion when he puts the famous red shirt on.

Our club’s success lies in having the world’s best players playing together on the same stage, and not individualistic performances. To have claims from football experts about two of our stars not being able to work together is harsh criticism, and we can only hope that the players in question prove them wrong with their performances on the pitch.