MANCHESTER UNITED legend Dimitar Berbatov wants his old side to keep hold of Paul Pogba – but admitted that he has no idea how the Frenchman can play in the same side as Bruno Fernandes.
World Cup winner Pogba has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford after making just seven Premier League appearances this season.
Juventus and Real Madrid are among the clubs that have indicated their interest in the midfielder, who enters the final two years of his contract this summer.
However recent reports indicated the 27-year-old was prepared to perform a massive U-turn after months of speculation following the arrival of Bruno Fernandes.
United’s £55million January signing has proven an instant impact at United, scooping the Premier League Player of the Month before the season was suspended.
But writing in his Betfair column, Berbatov expressed his doubts that both Pogba and Fernandes could form an effective duo.
He said: “I don’t know if Fernandes and Pogba can play together.
“As a fan of Paul Pogba, I want him to stay at United, I think it would be best for him, but I am curious to see how he will link up with Fernandes.
“They’re similar players, both intelligent enough to think three steps ahead when they’re on the ball. Sometimes footballers are too similar to play together.
“But I hope that’s not the case here because, with Fernandes and Pogba in the same midfield, United could be a very imaginative team that would surprise opponents next season or even sooner.”
Fernandes has already endeared himself to the United faithful after scoring three goals and laying on four assists in his nine games for the club.
And Berbatov is one of many former players impressed by the Portuguese’s immediate impact under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Bulgarian added: “Fernandes has quickly become an influential player for United.
“I’m pleased and impressed by how well integrated into the team he’s become in a short space of time.
“His teammates are looking for him with the ball because they know he can create magic. He looks happy to be playing for United. I really hope he continues in this form.”
