Man Utd: Pundit praises the 'ability' of Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United fans have been left delighted with Bruno Fernandes’ start to life at Old Trafford. The 25-year-old joined from Sporting Lisbon during the January transfer window and has flourished in his four outings for the club so far. And, against Watford on Sunday, the Portugal international produced his finest display yet.
Manchester United signed Fernandes in January, paying £46million to land the Portugal international.
And he’s already made a huge impact at Old Trafford, boosting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four.
Before Sunday, Fernandes had shown glimpses of his talent.
He was the standout performer in a goalless draw against Wolves before the winter break, looking the likeliest player on the pitch to break the deadlock.
Fernandes then followed that up with a storming display against Chelsea last Monday, getting his first assist at Stamford Bridge.
He was benched for the 1-1 draw with Club Brugge on Thursday but, despite that, still managed to impress during a brief nine-minute cameo.
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It was a blockbuster display from the Portugal international - and one made possible because of Nemanja Matic.
The Serbia international laid the foundations for his team-mates’ commanding performance, passing to Fernandes 11 times.
Fred gave the ball to the former Sporting star nine times, the second most of any player on the pitch.
And both Mason Greenwood and Luke Shaw passed to Fernandes seven times throughout the showdown at Old Trafford.
Matic was the main player who helped Fernandes out, though, allowing the Portugal international to get on the ball and make things happen.
And United fans are already looking forward to their next game, with hype around their new signing beginning to rise.
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Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes dictated the play against Watford (Image: GETTY)
Solskjaer was delighted with his new recruit after the Watford win, saying: "In today's market I think we got a good deal.
"He has come in and done really well, given everyone a boost, that means more than getting a player in.
"He has done something to the crowd. You can see with the supporters, they are used to players with that personality, mentality and quality, all the attributes of a Manchester United player the fans have seen many, many times before.
"From day one, the first minute, he has felt like a presence in the group, demanding the ball from his first training session. Some players take time warming up, but he felt confident straight away.
"He's a bit of a mix between Scholes and Veron to be fair, the temperament of Veron and a lot of the quality of him and Scholes.
"He has done fantastically. He is showing his personality, he's a Manchester United character who wants to step out at Old Trafford, wants the ball all the time, wants to control the rhythm, help out his team-mates and conduct the play. The way he took the penalty was fantastic."