Man Utd: Nicol slams Solskjaer over Fernandes comparison
Manchester United players noted Bruno Fernandes’ leadership skills in his very first match for the club, reports say. The Portugal international has been a big hit at Old Trafford since joining from Sporting Lisbon during the January transfer window.
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After failing to score against Wolves he got his first goal in the 3-0 thumping of Watford last weekend, weighing in with an assist against Chelsea in between.
And he was also on target in the 5-0 victory over Club Brugge on Thursday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been delighted with his newest recruit.
He initially had concerns about signing Fernandes because of concerns regarding the player’s ball retention.
But it was he who urged Ed Woodward to sign the Portugal international and he who is now reaping the rewards.
And, speaking earlier in the week, Solskjaer expressed a belief that Fernandes had added an ‘x-factor’ to his squad.
“We feel we've added some x-factor quality with Bruno," Solskjaer said.
”Anthony coming back, he was out for a couple of months, means he’s getting used to the no.9 position.
“Scott [McTominay] has developed but Nemanja and Fred have done well.
“The addition of Bruno gives us a bit of a different flavour. He likes to play forward passes and take risks, which a Man Utd player should do."
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In a separate interview, Solskjaer claimed that Fernandes had lifted his players and given Old Trafford a boost.
“That little bit of spark he has given us,” he said when asked what the midfielder brings to the fold.
“He’s come in and the supporters, the feeling around the place, is better.
“He risks passes, he plays forward passes, he takes chances, he loses the ball a few times but he’s one of the players that looks good when he loses the ball because it’s a good attempt.