Bruno Fernandes Was "Surprised" By How Good Teammate Was When He First Joined Manchester United

Manchester United's in-form midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been "surprised" by the quality of Marcus Rashford since arriving at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old has slotted into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans with ease.

In his first 12 Premier League games as a Manchester United player, Fernandes has notched seven goals and eight assists since his debut against Wolves at the start of February, which is the most goal involvements of any Premier League player.

Image: PA

His overall impact on the team has been nothing short of remarkable either.

Since joining from Sporting Lisbon, United's standards have risen dramatically. Players are closing down quicker than ever. They are creating more chances and look dangerous on the counter-attack.

And one of the players flourishing alongside Fernandes is Marcus Rashford - someone who "surprised" Bruno Fernandes when he first arrived at Old Trafford.

The Portugease midfielder was asked to name his 'perfect player' ahead of the club's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Thursday.

He chose international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as the most skillful but when asked which player he would choose for pace, there was only one winner.

"I will choose Rashford because I think what Rashford has is pace, amazing pace, but with amazing quality," Fernandes explained to BT Sport.

"It's difficult sometimes going at that velocity to have the quality to do the right things, you know. To choose the right time to shoot, to pass, to skill.

"I will choose Rashy for sure. He surprised me a lot.

"Of course I already knew his qualities, because he is one of the best young players in the world for me..I think I will choose Rashy because for me this [pace] is one of the best qualities he has."

Image: PA

In terms of his comments about Ronaldo, the 25-year-old was full of praise for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"I think I will say Cristiano, more in the first years of his career," Bruno said when asked who was the most skillful player.

"He was one of the most skillful players in the world. I think he's changed a little bit his game, but a player who was really difficult to do one-against-one defending against him.

"So for me, from everyone I've played with and against, I think it was him who was the best skilful player I've ever seen.'

Image: PA

Thoughts on the arrival of Bruno Fernandes? Do you think Manchester United will achieve Champions League football next season?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_