BRUNO FERNANDES has given Manchester United a much-needed boost of creativity since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January.
Now Paul Pogba is on the brink of a return to the team after recovering from ankle surgery.
So United fans will no doubt be relishing the chance to see the two stars link up together in the coming weeks, especially if Pogba can rediscover his top form.
The French World Cup winner has been repeatedly linked with a transfer away from Old Trafford and made just eight appearances so far this term.
But reports claim he made a U-turn on his stance so he can form a deadly partnership with Fernandes in midfield.
Here’s how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could line Manchester United up with both players in the side…
4-3-3
With a back five of David De Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw – injury permitting – United could then have a three-man midfield.
Fred would likely get the nod over Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic, with Pogba and Fernandes either side.
As Frank Lampard showed with Ross Barkley and Mason Mount against Everton, it is possible to have two playmaking midfielders in those roles – as long as they are willing to track back.
4-2-3-1
Solskjaer could mix it and go with two deeper-lying midfielders such as Scott McTominay and Pogba alongside each other.
That would allow Pogba to pull the strings from behind while Fernandes would have the licence to push on.
An exciting, pacey attack of Daniel James, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial could then cause plenty of damage on their day.
4-1-2-1-2
A diamond midfield has been adopted by Solskjaer in some recent matches and could be the one to help United secure Champions League qualification.
Fred would surely be the man to sit at the bottom with McTominay and Pogba slightly further advanced and Fernandes at the tip.
Up front, Martial could be joined by Greenwood, James or even Odion Ighalo.
3-4-2-1
United are not afraid to mix up the shape at the back with the defence operating as a back three or back five in some recent games, including the Manchester derby win last weekend.
Lindelof, Maguire and Shaw would be the centre-backs with Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams on either side as wing-backs.
In this formation, Fred and McTominay could sit in midfield with Pogba and Fernandes pushing right up to support one central striker, probably Martial.
5-3-2
Finally, a midfield three of Fernandes, Fred and Pogba could be flanked by Wan-Bissaka and Williams.
That would then allow for a front two which could again be Martial with Greenwood, James or Ighalo.
But the additional centre-back offers the two playmakers a little more defensive cover and therefore allows them to risk pushing on a little more in the hope of scoring and creating goals.
