Back to the Manchester United Newsfeed

'It's freed him up to play': Rio Ferdinand raves about effect Bruno Fernandes has had on Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba, claiming the French midfielder has been a 'totally different player since the restart'

Bruno Fernandes' arrival at Manchester United has 'shouldered the burden of expectation' on Paul Pogba, says former United defender Rio Ferdinand.

The Portuguese midfielder, signed from Sporting Lisbon for £66m in January, has hit the ground running and has immediately progressed into a fans favourite with a string of good performances.

And since the restart, Pogba - who had only played twice since September due to injury - has flourished alongside Fernandes in midfield and Ferdinand did not underplay the immense impact the January arrival has had on his team-mate.