Portuguese attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes was long linked with a move to Manchester United before the transfer finally happened in January 2020. There appeared to be a lot of haggling over the final transfer fee, with Sporting Lisbon holding out for more money than Manchester United were seemingly willing to pay.
However, a deal was completed on the 29th of January for an initial £47 million. This fee could rise in the future by up to £21 million due to additional clauses in the contract. Fernandes signed a five-and-a-half-year contract and judging by the start he is made to life at Old Trafford, Manchester United fans will be hoping he remains at the club for at least that period of time.
Fernandes has only been at the club for a few months but the Portugal international has already had a significant impact both on and off the pitch. For a start, Manchester United have remained unbeaten since he joined. They have played 9 matches and Fernandes has looked very impressive in each of them whether he has started the game or made an appearance from the substitutes bench.
Over the course of the last two seasons in Portugal, Fernandes had scored 39 goals and provided 28 assists. Keep in mind that although Sporting Lisbon are a big name in Portuguese on European football, they have not been competing consistently at the top of either the domestic or European game recently. Nonetheless, Fernandes continued to deliver the goods for his club even when those around him were struggling.
Prior to his arrival at Manchester United, the Red Devils were struggling themselves having tasted defeat at Liverpool and home against Burnley in the Premier League. However, with Fernandes at the club, Manchester United have won 6 and drawn 3 matches since the beginning of February. during that time, they have scored 22 goals and conceded only 2, which is a great record.
Fernandes has been directly involved in 5 Premier League goals, scoring 2 goals himself and providing 3 assists for his teammates. He won the Premier League's player of the month award as no other player in the Premier League contributed more during that period of time.
Manchester United coach, Michael Carrick, said “He has got a real presence about him and the lads have taken to him well. More importantly he has lifted the standard and the spirit within the squad as well.”
It is not only his playing ability which has adhered Fernandes to the Old Trafford faithful. His silencing of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the derby was a moment cherished by Manchester United fans. There is no doubt, that despite only being at the club for a few months, Fernandes has the makings of being the most important signing for Manchester United since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United were missing the presence of Paul Pogba in midfield but his name has been mentioned significantly less since the arrival of Fernandes. Even if the Frenchman was to be sold in the summer, will Manchester United miss him now the fans have a new hero to cheer? Fernandes could be the player they need to propel the club back into Premier League title chasers next season.