London: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that Bruno Fernandes has lifted the mood at Old Trafford, comparing the January signing to a mix between former Manchester United players Paul Scholes and Juan Sebastian Veron.
Fernandes arrived for an initial 55 million euros and, while that could rise to 80 million euros if a variety of targets are reached, Manchester United look to have struck a good deal.
The Portugal international has impressed in all three starts with the club to date, following up fine displays against Wolves and Chelsea with a goal and an assist against Watford. Successive wins have lifted United into fifth place in the Premier League table as they push for Champions League qualification.
“He’s given everyone a boost,” Solskjaer said of the 25-year-old Fernandes. “It means more than just getting a player in. You can see the supporters; they’re used to players with that personality, mentality and quality so he’s been a big plus. He’s come good from day one, the first minute, and felt like a presence in the group. First training session, demanding the ball.
“Some players take some time in warming up but he felt confident straight away. He’s a bit of a mix between (Paul) Scholes and (Juan Sebastian) Veron, to be fair. He’s got the temperament maybe of Veron and a lot of the quality of him and Scholes,” added the Man United manager.
It should also be stated here that Fernandes’ Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo had also predicted a great future for the new Man United recruit. “He’s got a great head, great skills and leadership qualities. He will certainly be a boost to Manchester United and he will be successful,” Ronaldo had said.
Solskjaer said Fernandes was a ‘big piece’ in the team that United are looking to build, while Anthony Martial has shown that he too can be a key component of the attack.
Monday’s header at Chelsea was followed by a fine goal at Club Brugge in the Europa League and a clever clipped finish Sunday past Ben Foster.
“I am delighted with the week Anthony’s had,” Solskjaer said. “He has got his critics and I am one of his biggest probably because I keep demanding different stuff from him. This is more than the Anthony we know about. The skill because that is just mind-blowing, sometimes the skill that he shows. But I want more from him and I’ll keep at him,” added Sloskjaer.
Agencies