Though the Portugal superstar has livened matters up for the Red Devils, the club legend says there is nonetheless plenty of work to be done.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has hailed the impact made by new signing Bruno Fernandes, saying the Portugal international has introduced an element that used to be lacking for the Red Devils.
Fernandes had a major impact on United after joining from Sporting CP in January, assisting the club to an 11-match unbeaten run before soccer went on hiatus due to the coronavirus crisis.
In just nine games in all competitions with United, the 25-year-old scored three goals and had 4 assists whilst helping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side more effectively connect defence to attack.
Scholes stated the Portugal star has introduced lots to Man Utd’s midfield, although he nevertheless isn’t always sure which system would fit him the best.
“The one thing with Bruno is he doesn’t seem to be like a central midfielder to me, he’s an out-and-out number 10. He’s awesome on the ball, continually on the half flip and he’s the link that United truely needed,” Scholes told the BBC.
“They lacked that great in midfield and on the grounds that he came in he’s had that,” the 45-year-old continued. “He can feed the ball in to players, he’s got a brilliant shot on him and he appears like a actual leader as well. United had lacked that.
“Whether he can play in midfield in a two, that’s but to be seen. He’s more like an Eric Cantona, a Teddy Sheringham – he can beat players as well. He is someone who brings what was sadly lacking at Old Trafford and he appears to have livened up everyone.”
Though Fernandes has definitely extended Solskjaer’s team, Scholes admits that there is still lots of work to be done at Old Trafford with United nonetheless only in fifth place before the season was suspended.
“They are nevertheless behind, however they have bought a brilliant player in who seems to have knitted it all together,” Scholes continued.
“They did have a really good group of players however missed that one person who can make a difference – like a David Silva or Kevin De Bruyne who can glue the team collectively with their attacking movements.
“I nevertheless think they are a bit off the pace, they’ve appeared good recently since Fernandes came in however Liverpool and Manchester City are streets ahead. There are three or 4 signings that can help however for the first time in a long time you feel like they should close the gap to the top.”
