Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes must prove popular Cristiano Ronaldo theory is wrong

Bruno Fernandes signed for Manchester United from Sporting Libson in January 2020 and it didn't take long for supporters to fall in love with the midfielder. Fernandes couldn't have wished to make a better impression during his first six months at Old Trafford.

"Bruno, Bruno, Bruno, came from Sporting like Cristiano," was soon heard on the terraces and it seemed like United had signed a player that would inspire them to win silverware. Fernandes was an immediate fan favourite and he was the type of player that opposition sides in the Premier League feared on matchday, which was something that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side had initially lacked.

Fernandes had a transformative influence in the dressing room with his elite mentality and he was genuinely world-class in his first two seasons at the club. He even won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for two successive campaigns.

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United had just finished second in the Premier League and Fernandes played at the European Championship with Portugal alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, but the pair did not realise they would soon be spending significantly more time together at that stage.

The news that Manchester City were looking to sign Ronaldo emerged that summer and Solskjaer's now famous press conference followed. Solskjaer was asked about Ronaldo and said: "If he was ever going to move, he knows we're here. Let's see what happens."

Solskjaer could not contain his smile when speaking about Ronaldo - he would not make a very good poker player. Ronaldo re-signed for United just a few days after that press conference and a wide smile was etched right across Solskjaer's face again.

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