BRUNO’S TOP CLASS... HE’S OUR NEW SCHOLES
TODAY, KICK-OFF 2PM BOSS OLE HAILS NEW BOY
Fernandes, the Portuguese international signed from Sporting Lisbon last month, has hit the ground running at Old Trafford with his vision and range of passing.
And Solskjaer has paid the 25-year-old the ultimate compliment by comparing him to midfield maestro Scholes.
Solskjaer said: “Bruno is another conductor, a leader and winner.
“He just wants to win. He doesn’t take 99 per cent as good enough – and he’s really impressed me.
“That’s something you see when you watch him, but you don’t really know about until you have him in your group.
“He’s been absolutely topclass. Bruno reminds me of Scholesy as a player – but is definitely a different type of personality off the pitch.”
Scholes proved himself to be a natural-born winner during a 20-year reign at Old Trafford in which he shone out as the best English midfielder of his generation.
Fernandes has made just three appearances since arriving – and one of those was as a substitute in the Europa League draw at Club Bruges on Thursday night.
But Solskjaer played alongside Scholes – and he recognises a kindred spirit in his new No.18.
Solskjaer added: “It’s because Bruno wants to win. Even when he’s on the bench, he walks around, he speaks to the players who start, he helps them, he gives them pointers.
“I’ve been very impressed by him. And even the 10 minutes he played in Bruges, you could say that there’s a difference in our team.”
United face Watford at Old Trafford today – and Solskjaer wants to build on a 2-0 win at Chelsea last Monday that lifted hopes of a top-four finish.
United have beaten
Frank Lampard’s (below) men three times this season.
Manchester City have been despatched twice and there have also been wins over Leicester and Tottenham.
But United have been held back by a lack of consistency – and the 2-0 loss at Vicarage Road in December is one of eight league defeats this season.
Solskjaer warned: “The boys know we can’t have too many slip-ups if we are going to challenge for the top four.
“That’s what we want to do. We can’t just rely on the Europa League as the way into the
Champions League as, at any point, you can have a bad refereeing decision or mistake.
“So the league is the priority and we need to get the momentum going. “Of course, we also hope to go the distance in the Europa League. We got away with a score draw in Belgium and, although we’re not happy with the performance, it’s a decent result to bring home. “This game is a chance for the boys. We’ve given many a rest, so they should be fresh.
“Watford have also had a break and maybe we can catch them off guard.”
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