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Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe believes playing a defensive midfielder alongside Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba could be the key the unlocking their potential at Old Trafford.

Fernandes made his debut in the 0-0 draw against Wolves last weekend following his £47m move from Sporting Lisbon and looked promising despite the disappointing result.

Pogba, on the other hand, has barely featured so far this season through injury, and has consistently been linked with a move away from the club.

The Frenchman is thought to be nearing a return to the starting 11, however, and Sharpe thinks he and Fernandes could blossom together.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Sharpe said: "I think they would have a good partnership. You would have to play them with someone who could do the defensive work. Fernandes is a natural forward-thinking midfielder.

(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)

"Going forward, I think they can cause all sorts of problems between them. It could be just what United need. It's been really disappointing with no Pogba this season, I think they've really missed him.

"He's got charisma on the pitch and the creativity he brings to the game- there's a level of arrogance and ability that brings everyone up to Paul Pogba's level."

Sharpe, however, was critical of United's dealings in the transfer market, and said the signing of Odion Ighalo sums up their lack of direction at the moment.

(Image: Getty Images)

He continued: "They're still on the borderline of attracting top players, but it goes to show just how unorganised the club is at the moment. At the start of the season, they let (Romelu) Lukaku and (Alexis ) Sanchez go who are not bad players at all.

"They don't replace them then in the January transfer window and miss out on (Erling) Haaland and then bring in Ighalo. This is what upsets fans. You're letting players go at a certain level and then bringing in players that are not at that level."