Ole Gunnar hails Fernandes' on and off-pitch dedication to Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Bruno Fernandes [photo courtesy]

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed “brilliant” Bruno Fernandes for helping transform Manchester United.

Today marks a year since Fernandes joined United from Sporting Lisbon in a £46.5million deal that could eventually rise to £67.5m.

Fernandes, 26, has been involved in 45 goals in 52 games for United, scoring 28 and providing 17 assists, his arrival turning the Reds into genuine title contenders again.

Asked to describe the impact made by Fernandes, Solskjaer said: “Brilliant. From day one he’s come in and wanted to affect the environment, the playing environment, the staff.

“He's been a great addition. He's such a humble human being, working hard and I think everyone has seen what he’s done on the pitch.

“Very pleased with his first year and long may it continue. The higher up in the league, the more pressure there will be on us and on him.

“Now the limelight is on him, but I’m sure he'll handle that pressure fine.”

As well as his goals and assists, Solskjaer praised the leadership qualities shown by Fernandes and his willingness to speak up on the pitch to push United forward.

“He’s got his opinion, he’s a winner,” said Solskjaer. “He’s not just going to let a game pass away and talk about it after, he wants to affect it there and then.

“He’s so passionate about winning and he knows his football, he knows his stuff.

“He watches every single game there is on TV, especially the big games and if you ask him 'did you watch that last night?' he’s always seen the game.

“He’s going to make the most of his career, that’s for sure.”