Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes plays down Eric Cantona comparisons with trophies the priority
Bruno Fernandes issued the perfect response to comparisons to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona – and gave an insight into the mindset that has made him an instant hit at Old Trafford.
Sat alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in Cologne on Saturday, the Portugal international laid down his ambitions at United and his hunger to deliver the type of success that Cantona managed in his time at the club.
Fernandes has been nothing short of sensational since his January move from Sporting Lisbon.
He has been the transformative signing Solskjaer and United’s fans craved, providing the catalyst to a run that saw them clinch Champions League qualification with a third-place finish.
Now they are preparing for their third semi-final of the season - against Sevilla in the Europa League on Sunday.
In 21 appearances Fernandes has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.
His penalty against Copenhagen in the Europa League quarter-final booked United’s place in the last four.
He has been the missing link to Solskjaer’s rebuild, which is why he is being spoken about in the same breath as Cantona.
But as impressive as Fernandes has been, he is still to turn United into a team capable of winning the biggest prizes, as Cantona did when driving Sir Alex Ferguson’s team to four titles and two FA Cups in five years.
“Obviously for me it is really good to listen to people talking about those names,” said the 25-year-old. “But, for me, Eric Cantona was an amazing player for the club.
“I need to do much, much better to be compared with him. I am really happy (with my time at United), but I am not satisfied.
“Manchester is about winning trophies. I came to the club to win trophies. I will be happy at the end of the season if we win the Europa League.”
It was evidence of the winning mentality Solskjaer is trying to instil into his young team.
Fernandes’ leadership qualities were key to Solskjaer finally giving the green light to a move for him after exhaustive checks and analysis from United’s scouts.
He had been on their radar last summer – and supporters have understandably questioned why they didn’t move for him before the mid-season window.
But Solskjaer has been determined to ensure there are no missteps in recruitment, as has so often been the case over the past seven years.
United ended up paying more than they might have if they’d moved earlier – but even a £46.5million with a further £22m in add-ons looks like a bargain.
And Fernandes, who has looked completely at home on a stage that has caused so many to wilt in the recent past, revealed his price tag has been a positive, motivating force, rather than an added pressure.
He said: “I think when a club pays 55m euros for a player, you know you have confidence from the club. From there starts everything.
“I can’t say it’s been easy (to come to the Premier League). Of course we have had good results and I was scoring goals, but the team helped me a lot. The coach and staff have shown confidence and that makes it easy for me.
“I played already in Italy so I know how it is to play out of my own country in a different league.
“The Premier League is a completely different competition, but the confidence of the team, the coach and staff at the club helps.”
Fernandes has provided the link that has made United a fluid attacking force, playing in the No10 role, conducting the thrilling front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.
It is understood his risk-taking made an instant impression on his team-mates in only his first few training sessions. And that flair has helped to transform United’s fortunes is such a short space of time.
He added: “All the time the coach told me to play my game. To do what I did in Sporting Lisbon that gave me confidence.
“He told me to try the same things and to improve. When you have that voice telling you to play your own game, it’s easy.
“Things have gone really well because when you have the confidence from everyone you can do your best.”
Read more
Solskjaer tells Man Utd to learn from Bayern after Barca annihilation
Sancho to Man Utd talks ongoing despite confusion over BVB statement
Bruno Fernandes highlights significant opportunity for Man United
