EPL top-four race takes centre stage
>> MANCHESTER: Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes completed his move from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United on Thursday, claiming he was inspired to switch to Old Trafford by compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 25-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half year contract with an option to extend for a further year.
The long-anticipated deal, with an initial fee of €55 million (£46 million), was finalised after Fernandes, who has 19 international caps, agreed personal terms and passed a medical.
The fee could rise to €80 million with add-ons.
Fernandes said he was delighted to be joining the club, who are fifth in the Premier League table.
“My love of Manchester United really started when I used to watch
Cristiano Ronaldo play and ever since then I have been a big fan of this great club,” Fernandes explained of his Portuguese teammate who played for United from 2003-2009.
“For me, to now play for Manchester United feels incredible.
“I have worked hard to get to this moment and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success and trophies.”
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Fernandes had been a long-term target.
“We have been tracking Bruno for many months and everyone here has been tremendously impressed with all his attributes and what he will bring to this team,” he said.
“Most importantly he is a terrific human being with a great personality and his leadership qualities are clear for all to see.
“Bruno’s goals and assists stats speak for themselves. He will be a fantastic addition to our team and he will help us push on in the second part of the season.”
United are badly in need of midfield reinforcements due to longterm injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, while Marcus Rashford’s back problem has also left Solskjaer short of options in attack.
ROJO JOINS ESTUDIANTES
Combative Argentina defender Marcos Rojo has rejoined his home town club Estudiantes on loan from Manchester United, the Superliga side said on Thursday.
On its Twitter account, the fourtime Copa Libertadores winners posted a picture of Rojo during his previous spell alongside the message: “At home!”
Rojo was born in La Plata where Estudiantes are based and spent his first three seasons as a professional with the club before moving to Spartak Moscow in December 2010. Eighteen months later he switched to Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and two years after that he was bought by then United manager Louis van Gaal.