Solskjaer believes McTominay will benefit from a midfield link-up with Fernandes

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Scott McTominay will benefit from a midfield link-up with £47million man Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes and McTominay have started the last three games together since the academy graduate's rapid return from injury and they will continue in midfield, alongside Fred, against Manchester City at Old Trafford today.

"Bruno can help him. Bruno is going to give us loads, definitely, and he is going to help the young kids," Solskjaer said of his January signing.

"I wouldn't call Scotty a kid, he is 22, but he is still learning the game. But Bruno knows it, he has been around, he's travelled, he's had his ups and downs. He has been in Italy, Portugal so he has learned to deal with setbacks, so he will help them."

In Harry Maguire's absence Juan Mata captained United at Derby, but Solskjaer believes Fernandes' shows of leadership have forced some of his teammates to step up as well.

"He is a leader but also other players stepped up. You see Victor [on Thursday]," he said. "Harry has been a leader. I expect my more experienced players to grab hold of the game if it pans out that way."

McTominay suffered knee ligament damage on New Year's Day but returned from injury in less than two months and has now started three games in eight days.

Solskjaer believes he will need time to get his best form back but praised his desire to get back on the pitch as quickly as he could.

"Scotty has been important for us but he needs games as well to get back to his level that he was before he got injured," said Solskjaer.

"It takes time when you've been out for two months so he's getting there, he has done remarkably well in his recovery and to be back so quickly, we are delighted."