Manchester United manager praised his Portuguese playmaker's "character" after he gestured at Pep Guardiola to calm down during Sunday's heated derby.
The moment has rapidly enhanced the No 18's newfound hero status among fans at Old Trafford. As the home side team defended a 1-0 lead in the second half, Pep showed his frustration on the touchline, prompting an exchange with Fernandes that ended with the player pressing his fingers to his lips to shush the City boss.
The moment was quickly picked up on by supporters but, when asked to comment on Bruno's gesture, Solskjaer was full of support for his new signing.
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"You need a character here, you need character at this club," he said. "But this team they have got that.
"They have learned through some hard times this season, because we have been a young team and we have started something we believe in and Bruno has helped that."
Fernandes has had a huge impact on United's form, with the club now unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions. He's impressed with both his skill - including the scooped free-kick which set up Anthony Martial's opener in the 2-0 win against City - and his on-field leadership.
In picking out Bruno's character, Solskjaer is echoing his mentor Sir Alex Ferguson. The Old Trafford titan always claimed that strength of character was crucial for any player looking to succeed at Manchester United and it's something he'd search for in young players or potential signings.
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Solskjaer further explained Fernandes's impact post-match, saying: "He works hard, he is humble enough, he's got the desire and commitment, but he's also got the X-factor.
"He is a risk-taker, he's got the courage to make mistakes and if you make enough mistakes, it'll be corrected into fantastic assists or goals."
Fernandes is delivering on the goals and assists front, but it's debatable whether Guardiola would also label him "humble enough". City's head coach isn't exactly famed for his chill on the touchline - so it'll be interesting to see what the reaction is when he next locks eyes with the 25-year-old.
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After all, if Fernandes wants to match provocative gestures with Pep, he's messing with an absolute master of the arts.
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Football, Manchester United, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
