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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
David Byrom

Manchester United fans react to Bruno Fernandes benching but make Paul Pogba point

Manchester United fans have praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting line-up for the Reds' game against West Ham.

United made five changes from the side that won their last Premier League game at Southampton, with Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Dean Henderson all starting.

Henderson was handed his first Premier League start for the Reds due to an injury to David De Gea.

Yet it was the decision to start Pogba and leave Bruno Fernandes on the bench that proved a talking point among fans, with many seeing Solskjaer's point of view in resting the Portuguese midfielder.


There was also a school of thought that Pogba may well produce a good performance against West Ham. The French midfielder has struggled for consistent form so far this season but fans backed him to perform well in Fernandes' absence, particularly with Cavani leading the line.

Fernandes has made 15 appearances in all competitions for the Reds already this season, also making six appearances for Portugal in a hectic season. His absence is no doubt influenced by a crucial Champions League game coming up against RB Leipzig in midweek, which United cannot afford to lose.

Explaining the decision to leave Fernandes on the bench, Solskjaer revealed the 26-year-old suffered a foot problem against Southampton that has bothered him in the last week.

He said: "Bruno's foot has been sore since the Southampton game and hopefully I don't have to use him tonight."

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is fit enough for a spot on the bench after being forced off against PSG due to a shoulder injury.

Solskjaer said: "Marcus is fit enough to be on the bench. We need all the points we can get in these games and Marcus has said he's ready if needed."

 
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