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Rio Ferdinand believes Bruno Fernandes has given Paul Pogba a 'new lease of life' after Manchester United duo's promising start to their midfield partnership

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that Bruno Fernandes has brought out the best in Paul Pogba.

France midfielder Pogba has struggled for form and fitness this season but has been a renewed presence since the restart of the Premier League last month.

Ferdinand feels that Fernandes, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth £68million at the end of January, has given Pogba extra motivation.

Paul Pogba (right) scored his first of the season as Manchester United won 3-0 at Aston Villa
United have been in scintillating form since Pogba and Fernandes first started a game together

'He'd have been licking his lips in the training ground listening to the lads," the ex-England star told Radio 5 Live.