How refusing Solskjaer’s offer showed the Man Utd boss Bruno Fernandes is “old school”
Manchester United boss has described new boy Bruno Fernandes as “old school” due to his insatiable appetite for football.
The 25-year-old Portuguese midfielder completed a £47m move from Sporting Portugal last month after a long transfer saga with the Red Devils.
How well has Fernandes settled in? Five key things to know…
- Man Utd were heavily linked with Bruno Fernandes in the summer of 2019.
- He’d finally sign for a reported £47m from Sporting Portugal in January 2020.
- Fernandes has since made five appearances in all competitions, registering two goals and two assists.
- Both of Fernandes’ strikes – against Watford and Club Brugge – have come from the penalty spot.
- United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has described him as “old school” due to his enthusiasm for the game.
He has seamlessly assimilated into life at Old Trafford and is already looking like the ideal candidate to fill the shoes of Paul Pogba should he leave in the summer.
Fernandes, who turned heads during three seasons in Lisbon – notably scoring 20 goals from midfield across 33 league games during the 2018/19 season – has subsequently become a fan favourite.
Man Utd remain fighting on three fronts after reaching the Europa League round of 32 at Club Brugge’s expense: Fernandes broke the deadlock from 12 yards against the Belgian side as they ran out 5-0 winners in their last-16 second leg meeting at home.
Solskjaer, who is determined to secure a Champions League berth for the 2020/21 campaign, has been impressed by his new recruit, who reminds him of those from days gone by.
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“When I took him off [on 65 minutes] obviously he didn’t want to come off – that’s one thing,” he told reporters.
“He just loves football. He’s got so much enthusiasm and a smile about him. He wants to be out there, wants to be better. I tried to send him in because it’s cold. ‘No, I want to watch,’ he said.
“He’s one of these old-school boys – football is everything for him. He’s been a big, big boost for us.”
