Bruno Fernandes makes Pogba admission that will surely scare other clubs

In what is sure to bring smiles to the faces of Manchester United fans, Bruno Fernandes has said he hopes that his midfield partnership with Paul Pogba can lead the club into the Champions League places for next season.

Fans had the chance to see glimpses of a pairing between both players when Pogba came off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Spurs on Friday night, with the Frenchman earning a penalty while Fernandes scored to level for United.

‘We have been training hard in the past weeks,’ Fernandes told Sky Sports. ‘When we trained in groups I was in one with Paul so to find a connection is easier. But I found a good connection with everyone and the most important thing is the team.

‘I think Paul thinks the same [as me] and we are happy. Paul won the penalty, I kicked it, so most importantly it is the team.

‘It doesn’t matter who scores, or the assist, or nothing. I think the more important thing is winning and is about the team.’

Fernandes was eager to stress the importance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League and while he was excited to get some game time alongside Pogba, he was frustrated not to beat Tottenham.

‘As a team we need to look for the Champions League,’ Fernandes added. ‘We need to try to be close to try to catch the guys who are up front. Unfortunately we are one point closer, but they need to play. We’ll see.’

The draw leaves United fifth in the Premier League standings, two points behind Chelsea who resume their season against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Fifth could be enough for the Champions League though if Manchester City’s ban from Europe is upheld, but United have company around them.

Sheffield United are only two points behind in sixth and can overtake them with a win against Newcastle on Sunday. Wolves are three points behind and play West Ham on Saturday and Tottenham are only four points off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.

United meet Chris Wilder’s side on Wednesday in what could be the first match Fernandes and Pogba start together.