Bruno Fernandes-Paul Pogba partnership just what Manchester United need, says Lee Sharpe

"Going forward, they can cause all sorts of problems," Sharpe tells SSN; former United winger says club at risk of losing transfer market prestige

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Last Updated: 05/02/20 6:39pm

Lee Sharpe tells Sky Sports News of his excitement at a potential partnership between Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba

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Lee Sharpe tells Sky Sports News of his excitement at a potential partnership between Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba
Lee Sharpe tells Sky Sports News of his excitement at a potential partnership between Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe believes a Bruno Fernandes-Paul Pogba attacking midfield partnership is exactly what his old side needs and says the club have also missed Pogba's "arrogance" in the team. 

United completed the £46.6m signing of Fernandes from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon on Deadline Day following lengthy talks over the whole month of January.

The Portugal international made his debut in United's 0-0 draw against Wolves on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Pogba has played just over 70 minutes for United since September due to multiple ankle injuries which have kept the Frenchman on the sidelines.

"I think they [Fernandes-Pogba] would have a good partnership," Sharpe told Sky Sports News.

"You would have to play them with someone who could do the defensive work. Fernandes is a natural forward-thinking midfielder.

Pogba has been restricted to just seven Premier League games this season

"Going forward, I think they can cause all sorts of problems between them. It could be just what United need. It's been really disappointing with no Pogba this season, I think they've really missed him.

"He's got charisma on the pitch and the creativity he brings to the game - there's a level of arrogance and ability that brings everyone up to Paul Pogba's level."

'United are unorganised'

United failed in their attempts last month to lure 19-year-old striker Erling Haaland to Old Trafford, with the Norway striker instead opting for a move to Borussia Dortmund.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also had a bid for Bournemouth forward Josh King rejected before finally agreeing a deal to sign Shanghai Shenhua's Odion Ighalo on loan.

Sharpe says his former club can still attract the top players but run the risk of losing this prestige following recent outgoings and the failure to bring in the right replacements - something that has drawn criticism from United fans.

Odion Ighalo signed for United on a six-month loan deal

"They're still on the borderline of attracting top players, but it goes to show just how unorganised the club is at the moment," added the former England international.

"At the start of the season, they let [Romelu] Lukaku and [Alexis] Sanchez go who are not bad players at all.

"They don't replace them then in the January transfer window and miss out on Haaland and then bring in Ighalo.

"This is what upsets fans. You're letting players go at a certain level and then bringing players in that are not at that level."