Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was concerned about signing Bruno Fernandes in the summer transfer window. And although he was only sensational in the short time since he moved from Sporting Lisbon, those concerns against Norwich City were justified on Saturday. It was far from a perfect representation of the Portuguese international, whose outsider tendencies were visible to everyone on Carrow Road.
In the summer, Manchester United boss Solskjaer considered switching for Fernandes after the midfielder shone with 32 goals and 18 assists in all competitions for Sporting Lisbon.
In the end, however, no move was planned.
The Red Devils were concerned about its ball retention rate. Although it was clear that he was capable of the sublime Solskjaer, United’s Boy Scouts were careful. If he was so good, why wasn’t the rest of the European elite chasing him?
Finally, United decided in the transfer window in January to bite a bullet.
Solskjaer realized that Jesse Lingard could not be dependent. The club’s staff was shocked by the English international’s tremendous decline in the past 18 months.
Andreas Pereira offers insights into the quality, but the Brazilian is also not up to date.
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And it was clear – and remains clear – that Juan Mata’s best days are behind him and that the Spanish international has reached the twilight years of his brilliant career.
United has looked stupid since moving.
Fernandes was the most outstanding player on the pitch in almost every game. He scored four goals and registered four assists to help the Red Devils climb the Premier League table.
He has also played a key role in United’s trophy form, with the club still battling for FA Cup and Europa League prizes.
But against Norwich on Saturday, the club’s fears about him have proven to be correct.
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After all, Fernandes’ wand has been waved with brilliant consistency since he moved from the Portuguese top group in January.
And while he continues to adapt to his new environment, the 25-year-old has the feeling that he is getting better and better.
It used to be Paul Pogba who was considered an outsider, but in every game he played, the French international was composed and disciplined. He did his job diligently and Solskjaer couldn’t be happier.
Well, this coat belongs to Fernandes.
Time will tell whether he can shoot United past Brighton in the Premier League on Tuesday night.
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