BRUNO FERNANDES can have the same impact on Manchester United as Cristiano Ronaldo.
That is the view of Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who played alongside Ronaldo and is now getting the very best out of Fernandes as a manager.
Bruno Fernandes can have the same impact on Manchester United as compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, claims boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Reuters
The January signing has now been involved in 34 goals in 35 appearances after bagging two in the midweek win over Istanbul Basaksehir.
And Solskjaer agrees with the comparisons to Ronaldo’s influence on United.
The Norwegian said: “He does definitely have that presence and influence and impact on team-mates. Just look at results since he came in.
“He has got energy, leadership, and is a team player, which is key for us going forward.”
Fernandes and his United team-mates face fifth-placed Southampton on Sunday as they bid to make it four wins in a row in all competitions.
But Solskjaer admits that this Saints side under Ralph Hassenhuttl is proving a tough nut to crack.
He said: “It has been similar to when Jurgen Klopp came in to Liverpool.
“He loves pressing and being on the front foot and being aggressive which is difficult to play against.
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“If you dwell on the ball they have traps set and it has been very interesting to watch their progress under Ralph.
“We know it’s going to be a difficult one, they’ve done really well. They’ve made great improvements.”
Mason Greenwood will be set for a start after illness and Solskjaer believes he has the perfect player to learn off as a number nine in veteran Edinson Cavani.
He said: “Mason can definitely develop into a top number nine and he has one of the top number nines in world football in Edinson to learn off and the same goes for Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.”
Solskjaer will be without Paul Pogba once again due to an ankle injury which he picked up on international duty while Scott McTominay is also out injured.
The January signing has been involved in 34 goals in his 35 United appearancesCredit: AFP or licensors
Solskjaer played alongside Ronaldo under Sir Alex Ferguson towards the end of his careerCredit: AFP – Getty
Bruno Fernandes explains his decision to let Marcus Rashford take Man Utd’s penalty against Istanbul Basaksehir
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
