Gary Neville has hailed Bruno Fernandes ' "absolutely brilliant" impact at Manchester United by comparing him to four club legends.
The Portuguese midfielder was signed nearly three years ago by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has since gone on to register an incredible 65 goals and assists across 100 Premier League appearances, only bettered by three former Red Devils. Before Fernandes registered his latest during United's 2-1 win at Fulham on Sunday, Neville waxed lyrical about the 28-year-old and compared him to Red Devils icons such as Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistlerooy, Dwight Yorke and Wayne Rooney.
"He's almost been everpresent since he come to the club, consistent performer, it's worth looking at his career 100 games in," the ex-United right-back began on Sky Sports. "Captain today, the appearances over the last two or three years, he's been one of the best performers, up there with Kevin de Bruyne for goals, assists, chances created.
"One of the very best Premier League players even though Manchester United have struggled in that period because of that you lose how good he is. You look at him in the Premier League and you put him in great company, you look at those great players on that list [Cantona, Van Nistlerooy, Yorke and Rooney] he's the only midfield player.
"Eric Cantona, staggering numbers, Ruud van Nistlerooy one of the best goalscorers, Rooney one of England's best ever players. But Bruno Fernandes, in a struggling team, those played in wonderful, wonderful teams.
"I think you have to say his career has been absolutely brilliant, he's an important player and he's been one of the best signings in the last two or three years. He has dipped off but if he can pick it up, he can be apart of a successful Manchester United team."
Have your say! Is Fernandes Man Utd's best signing post-Sir Alex Ferguson? Give us your pick in the comments section.
Fernandes is currently captaining Erik ten Hag 's side and the past eight days have perfectly illustrated his importance. After missing last Sunday's wretched 3-1 defeat away to Aston Villa through suspension, the Portugal international returned in midweek to score the decisive goal against Villa in the EFL Cup.
And this Sunday, he took only 14 minutes to set up Christian Eriksen for a tap-in. A tough tackle from Casemiro won possession for the Red Devils in midfield, with Eriksen picking up the pieces and finding Anthony Martial. The French striker then played it through to Fernandes, who produced a wonderful pass with the outside of his foot towards the back post where Eriksen was lurking.
Fernandes' contribution came in a win, but not so easily as former United teammate Dan James equalised for Fulham midway through the second half. Thankfully for the visitors, Alejandro Garnacho was the hero by scoring a 93rd-minute winner.
