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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Bruno Fernandes 'immediately showed up' Paul Pogba when he arrived at Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes immediately showed Manchester United what they'd signed, unlike his Red Devils team-mate Paul Pogba.

That's according to France World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf, who says his compatriot hasn't shown the world he's a "technical leader" like Fernandes.

United signed Fernandes in the January window, and are yet to experience defeat when the Portuguese has been on the pitch.

Pogba, who has been hit and miss since signing in 2016, has missed much of this season with an ankle injury, but Leboeuf is certain there's a quality player there.

He told ESPN FC: "There is a frustration and it's understandable when you have seen [Pogba's] performances. He started pretty well, he showed that he could be a leader but I think there is a lack of consistency in his game.

Frank Leboeuf says Paul Pogba hasn't shown the world he's a "technical leader" like Bruno Fernandes (Sunday Mirror)

"No doubt that he is a fantastic player he's shown it at Juventus and at the beginning when he joined Manchester United.

"Since then there seems to be so many problems around him, around the club, or around his teammates that in fact we don't see the Pogba we want to see with all the qualities that he has.

"Maybe he's a leader in the dressing room but he doesn't show that he can be a technical leader like Bruno Fernandes immediately showed to the crowd when he signed for Manchester United."

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is excited by the prospect of Pogba returning to play alongside Fernandes.

United signed Fernandes in the January window (Getty Images)

The Norwegian told Sky Sports: "Good players can always play together, so definitely, they can - it's a big yes.

"I think it's exciting... we do have an exciting squad.

"I've got Scott [McTominay], Fred, Nemanja [Matic]. There's many games coming up and I'm sure we can find a good connection between them. We've been discussing that as a coaching team of course, and we're looking forward to it.

Pogba has been hit and miss since signing for Man United in 2016 (Getty Images)

"Of course Bruno coming in, making the impact he made, it was a boost for everyone, the club, supporters and players. Getting Paul and Marcus Rashford back would be fantastic.

"Paul has had a difficult season with injuries, and Marcus as well is getting back. So for us, and for them too, this gives them a chance to start on a par or even ahead of other players."

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