Manchester United legend Gary Neville has heaped praise on the impact Bruno Fernandes has had at the club following another standout performance for the Red Devils before the international break.
Fernandes scored twice and assisted once in United’s 3-1 away victory at Everton, bringing his tally up to 30 goal involvements in 33 games for United since joining in January.
The Portugal international has started his first full season in England strongly and picked up six goals and five assists in all competitions, continuing a hot streak that inspired an upturn in form for United last season.
Neville highlighted his impact when talking to Premier League Productions – quoted by the Express – and praised his performance levels: “Since Fernandes joined the club I don’t think he’s had a dip yet.
“You thought after his first initial goals, assists and impact that he made, you thought ‘Where’s that dip coming? Can he do it in the second season? He’s doing it even better.”
Calling the 26-year-old a ‘leader’ and even talking up the idea of captaincy, Neville added: “When he speaks, he speaks like a Manchester United player, he speaks like a Manchester United captain.”
Fernandes’ impact on the club has been significant and was key to United qualifying for the Champions League this season. The former United captain himself recognised that and stated Fernandes has had a ‘similar impact’ to the likes of Wayne Rooney and Eric Cantona when they joined the club.
It’s quite the compliment for the Portugal international who’s quickly become a fan favourite during his first year in Manchester. He captained the side during their emphatic 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last month and chipped in by opening the scoring with a penalty on the night.
United fans have warmed to Fernandes not only for his impact on the pitch, but for his winning mentality and desire to succeed with the club. With that now being recognised by a former United captain in Neville – who won 20 trophies with the club – it’s testament to just how much Fernandes has lifted spirits at Old Trafford.
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