Gary Neville has credited the “arrogant” Bruno Fernandes with transforming Manchester United in his 12 months at the club.
The Portuguese star joined last January from Sporting Lisbon and has been a revelation.
He arrived at Old Trafford with the Red Devils hovering around the Europa League places, but they now sit second as they look to improve on last season’s third place finish.
Fernandes again found the net with an excellent long range effort on Saturday night.
His strike wasn’t enough to seal the three points though with Everton coming back to claim a 3-3 draw.
But that didn’t stop Neville waxing lyrical about the playmaker’s influence on what he claimed was an “ordinary” team prior to his arrival.
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His implact has led to comparisons with Eric Cantona, the man who catapulted United to league success in 1993, and Neville is not surprised.
He said on Sky Sports: “I can see why. We saw his stats in the second half. Probably better than Cantona’s in this first year at Manchester United.
“Cantona will be a god at United for winning that title after so long, if Fernandes can do that at United he’ll be the same.
“It’s going to be difficult because at the moment they’re just letting themselves down in defensive parts.
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“It’s a brilliant brilliant goal. He’s got arrogance, personality and work ethic. Everything you would want in that red shirt he has.
“He takes risks, takes the ball forward, he believes he’s the best player on the pitch and he’s transformed Manchester United in 12 months that were really ordinary.
“Let’s be clear they were an ordinary team, and this player alone, forget Cavani for now, he transformed them before.”
Fernandes’ strike was his 18th of the season and his 30th since joining United.
