Manchester United are 'dependent on Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes' and have lost their 'defensive balance', says former striker Lous Saha as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men look to upset PSG in Paris

  • Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba are two of Manchester United's key performers 
  • The Portugal international has impressed in particular since joining in January 
  • But former Old Trafford striker Louis Saha says United are too reliant on both 
  • United travel to Paris Saint-Germain to begin their Champions League campaign 

Manchester United have been warned over their dependence on superstar duo Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes and shaky nature at the back by former striker Louis Saha.

The 42-year-old, who represented the club between 2004 and 2008, has delivered his sobering assessment ahead of United's Champions League clash with last season's finalists Paris Saint-Germain.

Saha admitted he has become concerned over United's newfound fragility in defence and an over-reliance on their explosive midfield pairing.

Manchester United are too dependent on Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, Louis Saha says

Manchester United are too dependent on Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, Louis Saha says

Pogba was introduced as a second-half substitute in the win over Newcastle at the weekend

Pogba was introduced as a second-half substitute in the win over Newcastle at the weekend

The club will be looking to piece together a heartening run of results after enduring a nightmare start to the new campaign. 


Defeats to Crystal Palace and Tottenham, the latter a 6-1 crushing at Old Trafford dogged by individual mistakes, have firmly piled the pressure on.

But Fernandes has arguably proven himself United's most important player again and also helped them break out of their malaise by inspiring the win against Newcastle over the weekend. 

The Portugal international, combined with the other attacking talents at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's disposal, will be able to cause PSG enough problems at the Parc des Princes, according to Saha.

Fernandes has been crucial to United's fortunes after joining the club from Sporting Lisbon

Fernandes has been crucial to United's fortunes after joining the club from Sporting Lisbon

Saha believes the star midfielders can threaten Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League

Saha believes the star midfielders can threaten Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League

He told Ouest-France: 'Manchester United have lost a bit the defensive balance that they had last season. There is also a dependence on Pogba and Fernandes, the best players in the squad.

'The numerous individual defensive errors since the beginning of the season have hurt them. But going forward, they are no joke.

'The youngsters (Anthony) Martial, (Marcus) Rashford and (Mason) Greenwood are capable of the highest level and to put PSG's defence in danger, which is also under reconstruction since the departure of Thiago Silva.

'There are things that you get punished for the Champions' League. PSG have been warned.'

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed in his press conference that Fernandes would captain his side

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed in his press conference that Fernandes would captain his side

Solskjaer's finest moment at the helm of United came in Paris and he will be hoping for a repeat

Solskjaer's finest moment at the helm of United came in Paris and he will be hoping for a repeat

United will be captained in Paris by the ever-vocal Fernandes in the absence of Harry Maguire, and starlet Greenwood will also miss out through injury.

Fernandes' 15th goal for the club came against Newcastle, a crucial strike that rounded off a vital comeback, and Rashford was also set free for his late goal by his creative team-mate.

Pogba, meanwhile, saw his contract extended by a further year recently - committing him to the club until 2022. 

The French capital set the scene for Solskjaer's finest moment at the helm of United, the unlikely aggregate win during his spell as interim manager, and the under -pressure coach will be hoping for similar heroics to kick off Group H.