How Bruno Fernandes holds the key to Paul Pogba's future: Manchester United believe midfield partnership between two star men could spark Frenchman into life... and pave the way for him to sign a bumper new deal
* Paul Pogba has been repeatedly linked with move away from Manchester United
* But combination with Bruno Fernandes in midfield could persuade him to stay
* United are desperately hoping both can flourish in tandem when play restarts
* If they can form a strong partnership, Pogba may explore a contract extension
Manchester United believe Paul Pogba's mouthwatering midfield partnership with Bruno Fernandes will hold the key towards the Frenchman's long-term future.
Pogba and Fernandes are yet to play together because the Portuguese star's arrival at Old Trafford coincided with the World Cup winner's ankle injury.
The France star has now fully recovered and believes his pending combination with Fernandes can spark improvements for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team.
Fernandes has had a major impact on United since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in January and Pogba feels the his presence has helped the team gel.
Pogba's existing deal expires at the end of next season but United have the option to extend his contract by 12 months.
The club are yet to activate the clause, which would prevent the possibility of Pogba signing a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January.
United, though, are expected to trigger the renewal at the end of the season even if it's merely to protect his value.
Manchester United are hoping to see Paul Pogba flourish in tandem with Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes has hit the ground running at United but is yet to play alongside Pogba. Real Madrid and Juventus are possible destinations but Pogba could yet extend his deal. Fernandes could become a significant figure in team-mate Pogba's long-term thinking
Pogba's future has been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent months and he has been regularly linked with Real Madrid and a return to Juventus.
However, Sportsmail understands the prospect of playing with Fernandes will likely become a significant factor in Pogba's long-term thinking.
If the pair can flourish in tandem as the season resumes, there is likely to be a willingness from both United and Pogba to explore the possibility of an extension past 2022.
Despite the financial crisis that has gripped football because of the coronavirus, Pogba remains one of the most sought after players in the world.
United, though, would want close to £100million for the player, a fee that is likely to be unreachable given the current climate.
So an explosive start to the Pogba/Fernandes partnership could prove one of the key factors in the France star's long-term future.
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