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“I told him to go” – Former Man United star reveals his role in Fernandes’ move to Old Trafford

Nani advised Bruno Fernandes to join Manchester United

Former Manchester United star Nani was well aware of the abilities of Bruno Fernandes.

However, writing for the United Review (h/t Man United), even he could not have foreseen the impact his international teammate would have at Old Trafford.

“Bruno now is a much better player than when we were playing together.”

The pair were team-mates for one season at Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon in 2018/19. It was Nani’s last campaign in Europe before joining MLS club Orlando City.

Nani was aware of Fernandes’ potential and even advised him to play in the English Premier League, preferably United.

“I saw so much potential in Bruno and I told him to go to England if he decided to move to another league.”

The opportunity to do that arose in the summer of 2019. While we failed to agree on a deal that summer, that would not be the case the following January.

He hit the ground running and has now developed into a key cog in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s setup.

Bruno Fernandes is our top scorer this season
Bruno Fernandes is our top scorer this season

Fernandes has so far scored 21 goals and made 13 assists in 35 appearances. To put that into context, no player in English football has been a part of more goal involvements than Fernandes since his transfer to United.

Nani believed Fernandes can get even better. That can augur well for the club going forward.

“Bruno has done so well until now, scoring goals and setting up a lot of goals, but I think he will keep improving and making the team even better.”

Cristiano Ronaldowas consulted by Fernandes before joining United
Fernandes talked to Cristiano Ronaldo before joining United

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Apart from Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo also played a part in Fernandes ending up ay United. It would appear that our two former Sporting stars ensured that the Portuguese club’s top star also followed in their footsteps and made it to Old Trafford.

As yet, Fernandes has repaid the faith.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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