Pranav Nair
Bruno Fernandes looks up to Andres Iniesta as his inspiration
Portuguese sensation Bruno Fernandes has hit the ground running at Manchester United.
Having arrived in January from Sporting Lisbon in a £55m deal, the Portuguese international has scored three goals and four assists in nine games. United are yet to lose a game since the 25-year-old joined the club.
Speaking to the club’s official site, Fernandes has named Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta as a huge influence in his style. A widely decorated player at both the club and international level, Fernandes could have not sought a better inspiration.
It bemuses him as to how the Spaniard was never recognized as the world’s best player. We feel it has something to do with playing alongside one of the best the game has ever seen – Lionel Messi.
“It was impressive how Iniesta finished his career without the Ballon d’Or. With everything he won, it is difficult for me to understand!”
In spite of never having won football’s biggest individual accolade, Fernandes has nothing but respect for the Catalan maestro. He hopes to learn from Iniesta on how to completely exploit the game in the final third.
A mix between a traditional number eight and a number ten, the Spaniard was a joy to behold as he both scored and assisted with consummate ease. Having our number 18 model his game after such a legend will only augur well for us.
The Portuguese star appears to have had a liking for Barcelona stars growing up. He has also named Brazilian phenomenon Ronaldinho as one of his footballing heroes growing up.
United fans will be pleased to know that he also looks up to former Old Trafford favourite Cristiano Ronaldo. But given his roots, that’s hardly a surprise.
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Fernandes also praised the United fans for making him feel welcome at the club since day one. He has so far repaid the faith placed in him.
The 25-year-old’s chapter at United is just starting. He has so far proven to be a runaway success. If he keeps it up, there is no reason why one day he could go on to win that one accolade that always eluded his hero.
