A former Red Devils man believes the Frenchman’s recent return to form is motivated by a desire to match his team’s victory
Bruno Fernandes has rejected “Paul Pogba’s ego”, according to Paul Parker, who says the Manchester United midfielder has picked up his game after “playing in the shadow” of the € 55 million star (£ 49m / $ 67m) last year.
Fernandes quickly established himself as a talismanic figure at Old Trafford after completing a big-money move to United from Sporting CP in January 2019.
The Portuguese promoted Ole side Gunnar Solskjaer to third place in the Premier League last term, scoring eight goals and seven assists in his first 14 appearances for the club.
He has built on that platform to top the Red Devils title title this season, emerging as one of the most influential players in the category and as a contender for the PFA Player of the Year award in the process .
However, Fernandes ’result in the final third round has been declining in recent games, with Pogba stepping up to make the difference in his place at times of crucial victories over Burnley and Fulham.
The Frenchman, who is largely disappointed with his return to Manchester from Juventus for £ 89m ($ 122m) back in 2016, managed to score winning goals in both of those games and it looks like that he found his best form after overcoming a bout of coronavirus and several fitness issues.
Parker believes Pogba’s improved performances have come from a firm refusal to be overtaken by Fernandes, and he has called on the World Cup winner to maintain his current level as United’s bid for his win their first domestic crown since 2013.
“By 2020 he had been playing under the shadow of Fernandes and that will have denied his ego,” the former Red Devils defender said Eurosport.
“Pogba was signed for a big fee; his marketing and profile – as well as his ability to play – suited Manchester United.
“But the best profile you can ever have is to be an excellent footballer, and although Fernandes came in with a much lower profile, his status has surpassed on Pogba and for the right reasons: he ‘s at the top of the tree to be great.
“And you can’t beat competition. In any business, if competition comes up and just sinks about it, then you don’t survive. You have to develop to be respected.
“Fernandes quickly became a key player when he arrived and he became Manchester United and Fernandes, not Pogba. He was a former Pogba for the wrong reasons, now he is Fernandes is there for goals and help.
“United need that from Pogba now to challenge for the title, so that he doesn’t drop below 7/10 in any game.”
United will put their title wins on the backfield this weekend as they face Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and Parker wants Solskjaer to see a statement of intent by going out for the win at Old Trafford.
“No one has won the league title yet, it’s just January,” he said.
“United have a chance in the FA Cup against Liverpool, who are still badly injured with a few injuries. If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thinks he has a strong squad then use him.
“It’s better not to have three players stuck on the pitch, instead go and put players out there who are going to try and win a football match.
“United have run well, and they are in a good position, but they can improve on that by defeating Liverpool. The Red Devils can win. The players want it.
“Even locked up, you don’t want to be a United player around Manchester, after you lost to Liverpool.”