Fernandes has lifted the mood at Man Utd, says Solskjaer
Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Watford at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on February 23, 2020. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) /
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says 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 (£46 million) and, while that could rise to 80 million euros if a variety of targets are reached, United look to have struck a good deal.
The Portugal international has impressed in all three United starts 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 in from day one, the first minute, and felt like a presence in the group. The 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 may be of Veron and a lot of the quality of him and Scholesy.”
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 past Ben Foster on Sunday.
“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 today is more than the Anthony we know about,” he added. “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.”
