BRUNO Fernandes has made an instant impact at Old Trafford after joining in January and is proving to be a popular figure at the club already.
The Portuguese attacking midfielder scored his second goal for Manchester United during the 5-0 win over Club Brugge yesterday as the club qualified for the last-16 of the Europa League.
Bruno Fernandes has made an instant impact at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Fernandes, 25, was substituted just after the hour mark and instead of heading down to the changing room for treatment, he insisted on staying to watch the remainder of the match.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told Manchester Evening News: “When I took him off, obviously he didn’t want to come off.
“That’s one thing. He just loves football. He’s got so much enthusiasm and smile about him.
“He just wants to be out there, wants to better.”
Fernandes, who has made five appearances for his new club, has given United extra quality in the final third of the pitch, something they were clearly lacking and is proving to be a real hit with the staff and the fans.
Solskjaer went on to add: “I tried to send him in because it’s cold.
“‘No, I want to watch. He just loves football.
“He’ll probably know everything about football.
“He’s one of these old school boys and football is everything for him.”
Since joining late in the January transfer window, Fernandes and his new teammates are unbeaten and have kept four clean sheets in those five matches.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes compared Fernandes to the likes of Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs after the win over Brugge.
United are set for another busy spell, with three games in the next week, starting with a trip to Goodison Park on Sunday to take on a much improved Everton side.
A win could see Solskjaer’s side break into the top four on goal difference but Tottenham and Sheffield United are just one point behind.
Solskjaer is set to be boosted by Paul Pogba’s expected return to training next week.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
