‘BRUNO IS A NATURAL LEADER’

BRYAN ROBSON believes Bruno Fernandes is the inspirational leader Manchester United have been crying out for in recent years.

The Portugal star (above) has made an incredible impact since joining United from Sporting Lisbon for an initial £46.6million fee, which could ultimately rise to £67.7m with add-ons.

The playmaker has scored three goals and provided four assists, earning him the Premier League, PFA and United Player of the Month awards for February.

And Robson said his leadership and vocal demands of his team-mates were also impressive qualities.

“It’s been a terrific impact and the first signs are he looks a top player,” said the Old Trafford legend (below).

“He’s always on the move, always wanting the ball, has got a great touch and makes double movements, a bit like Paul Scholes used to do.

“His energy levels and pace look really good and he has shown he can hit a pass and score goals. So the initial period where he’s been at the club looks great. He’s already shown leadership qualities and that’s something the manager has mentioned.

“I’ve already seen him around the training camp and he gets on really well with the boys, seeing as he’s only been here a couple of months.

“What I do like to see when he’s on the pitch is, even though he’s a forwardminded player, he’s already swivelling and looking on his shoulder, being demanding of his team-mates. He’s telling people to tuck in and have them where he wants them, which is great.

“We needed a bit of that because, no matter what you say about some of our other players, who are really good, I still feel they can all get better in demanding from their team-mates and getting them into the positions you want them in.

“I see Bruno does that, so that’s great. It means the team shape is going to be good most of the time.”

Robson also says Fernandes having been skipper at Sporting helped him make a seamless transition to United.

“It helps that he was captain at Sporting,” said Robson. “It’s something that is naturally in you.

“Bruno looks as though he has that natural leadership quality.

“I can see it in Harry Maguire, who is captain, and Victor Lindelof is another one organising the people around him.”