MANCHESTER UNITED are a team transformed since Bruno Fernandes joined from Sporting Lisbon.
The Portuguese midfielder, 25, moved to Old Trafford at the very end of the January transfer window.
Fernandes has taken Man Utd from Europa League hopefuls to a contender for next season’s Premier League crownCredit: Kevin Quigley
How the Premier League table looks since Fernandes joined Man Utd
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be wishing he brought him in sooner after Fernandes reinvigorated his side.
Man Utd have gone from challenging for a Europa League spot before Christmas to looking like real contenders for next season’s Premier League title since February 1.
And there is absolutely no doubt that is thanks to Fernandes.
Looking at the Premier League table since his arrival, Man Utd sit TOP.
United have won five and drawn three of their eight matches with Fernandes in the team – good for 18 points.
Even champions Liverpool can’t match that, with 16 points – although they do have a “game in hand” over their fierce rivals.
Wolves sit second in the post-Fernandes transfer table – with Arsenal shock names in third.
The Gunners were on a hot run of form before lockdown, with their record somewhat tarnished since the comeback, losing to Manchester City and Brighton.
Fernandes leads the way in goal involvements since coming to England
Pep Guardiola’s side themselves are good only for eighth, behind Burnley, Chelsea and Everton – with Tottenham in 11th.
But the real story is Man Utd sitting top.
Players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have looked sharp since coming back from lockdown.
Paul Pogba is also back in the team as Solskjaer boasts a near-fully-fit squad.
But there’s little doubt Fernandes is THE main man at Old Trafford right now.
In the eight games since joining, no Premier League star comes close to having Fernandes’ impact.
The Portuguese ace has contributed to EIGHT goals in that span – with Mohamed Salah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and team-mate Martial next-best on six.
In fact, Fernandes has been involved in a goal every 85.6 minutes since moving to Manchester – better than a goal a game.
Bruno Fernandes’ impressive season stats since joining Man Utd
Man Utd now sit fifth in the Premier League, just two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Solskjaer will be desperate to guarantee his side’s spot in the Champions League next season with a top-four finish.
With Fernandes on the books, they’ll have as good a chance as anyone with six games still to play…
Fans joke Bruno Fernandes has revealed secret to his success as Man Utd star appears to drink bottle of milk vs Brighton
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
