Bruno Fernandes ‘will commit his future to Manchester United – but only if Paul Pogba does the same.’
The French midfielder’s contract expires next year, meaning United’s hierarchy would have to sell the 28-year-old this summer to recoup as much of their £89million outlay on him as possible. United want the World Cup winner to stay and to commit to a new deal.
And United’s star man Fernandes, 26, is reportedly monitoring the situation with Pogba closely with the club aiming to extend his contract after an excellent start to life at Old Trafford.
The Sun report that the Portuguese playmaker, 26, will seek assurances on Pogba’s future with the two players working together very well on the pitch.
United have approached Fernandes over a new five-year contract worth £200,000-a-week, double the money he is earning at the moment.
Another factor for Fernandes is United’s plan in the transfer market this summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side look to compete with Manchester City and others for the Premier League title next season.
The club have been linked with Borussia Dortmund duo Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho as they looked for more firepower but are likely to face stiff competition.
Pogba has been in very good form during the second-half of the season following a slow start to the campaign. He has provided assists for goals in his last three league outings.
Indeed, were it not for a hamstring injury suffered in February’s 3-3 draw with Everton keeping him out for the next six league games, United might have pushed City close in the title race.
They dropped six points in the four league matches that followed Pogba’s injury as well as surrendering a lead against Everton late on.
Fernandes has been United’s stand-out player with 24 goals and 14 assists across all competitions so far this season.
While City re-established their 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Wednesday night, United can still end the season with silverware.
They face Roma in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, with the first leg at Old Trafford next Thursday.
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