Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho needs to play Michael Carrick if he wants to unlock the potential of Paul Pogba, according to Hull defender Alex Bruce.
Carrick made just his fourth appearance of the season on Thursday evening, helping United record a 4-1 win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
Pogba scored twice in the first half to put United 3-0 up at half-time, and the Hull City defender believes that starting Carrick at the base of midfield could benefit the Frenchman in the long-term.
"I think Michael Carrick has got to play - he was a massive difference for them [against Fenerbahce]," Bruce told BBC Radio 5Live following United's win.
"He passes the ball forward and I think if you push Pogba on a little bit and have him sitting with Herrera it looks a strong midfield."
The configuration of United's midfield has been a subject of intense debate this season, with Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini both competing for the place alongside Pogba.
The 23-year-old played alongside Carrick in a midfield two against Fenerbahce, but Mourinho experimented with Pogba in a more advanced role in the 0-0 draw against rivals Liverpool on Monday.
The France international's best position is confused further by the fact that he played most frequently in a midfield three for former club Juventus, which allowed him to play a box-to-box role.
Carrick, along with captain Wayne Rooney, is one of United's most senior players having spent 10 years at the club.
The 35-year-old is at his best playing as a deep-lying playmaker with his passing range and vision his best asset, but whether his impressive display against Fenerbahce was enough to earn him another chance remains to be seen.
United face a tough test in their next fixture, with Mourinho travelling to Stamford Bridge to face former club Chelsea in the Premier League.
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