Bruno Fernandes has become a vocal leader in the Manchester United dressing room, with his team-mates listening because of his immediate impact on the pitch. The Portugal international, who joined from Sporting Lisbon last month, has impressed under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Fernandes has chipped in with one goal and two assists in four appearances.
The attacking midfielder has already become United’s most creative player, especially with Paul Pogba sidelined with injury.
And according to the South China Morning Post, Fernandes has made an impact on his United team-mates.
It’s claimed Fernandes, who speaks good English, has been vocal and offers his opinions.
And United’s stars listen when the new signing speaks because they know how important he is to their success.
A lot has been made of Fernandes’ arrival at Old Trafford, with transfer expert Duncan Castles claiming the Portugal star is seen as a Pogba replacement by United chiefs.
Castles said on the Transfer Window podcast: “United’s decision will be formed on Pogba’s recovery, his ankle problems he’s having. It will also be based on the form of Bruno Fernandes, who won the game for United at the weekend.
“He deputised in that creative role that Solskjaer planned for Pogba. He was the difference [against Watford]. He won the penalty and converted it, which is something Pogba has struggled to do at United in recent times.
“Solskjaer has said Fernandes can play as a No 10 and a box-to-box midfielder.
“Who else fits that description at United? It’s Pogba. So there you have the replacement already purchased.
“Unless the plan is to have both of them in the squad, it seems the direction of travel is clear from United’s point of view.
“Fernandes is a replacement, now we have to get as much money as possible for the troublemaker and the player who has been injured for the majority of the season.