Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes to continue building their partnership in midfield after playing together for the first time.
Pogba’s appearance from the bench during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham gave fans their first glimpse of the two midfielders in action together and the duo linked up on numerous occasions.
Fernandes converted the penalty Pogba won late in the game to rescue a point for United and Solskjaer gave his verdict on how the pair played together.
‘It is a definite partnership that we want to build on,’ he told the BBC. ‘They have trained together now they have had half an hour on the pitch together.
‘We want the best players on the pitch of course and want to find a balance in the team.’
Speaking to Sky Sports after the result, Solskajer praised the Frenchman for battling back from injury and making his first appearance for the Red Devils since December.
The United boss always hailed Pogba for making such an impact off the bench and playing the pass of the game.
‘We’re a club that want the best players in the world playing together,’ he said.
‘We just need to find a balance of attacking, defending – that’s always a key word when you set a team up.
‘I think Paul showed today he can play with Bruno and Bruno got the penalty and scored a goal.’
‘The performance second half deserved a point or three points anyway,’ he added.
‘The players who came on made a difference. I think Paul’s contribution is there to be seen. He played the pass of the day when he played Marcus through and he had the skill of the day when he was fouled for the penalty.
‘Paul’s one of the best players in the world and it’s great to have him back. It’s good to give him minutes and he’ll work hard to be even fitter for the next time and play more.’
‘He’s delighted to. be back on the pitch. He’s. had a nine, ten month injury nightmare.
‘It’s not been like you’re out for ten months, he’s almost been back and got injured again. He had to have an operation.
‘I’m sure everyone can see he’s got great hunger for the game.’
MORE: Jose Mourinho complains about Paul Pogba penalty decision in Spurs’ draw against Manchester United
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