Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given an exclusive interview to Norwegian outlet TV2 this week.
Most of the chat has been about the Red Devils’ new star Bruno Fernandes, who’s been having a huge impact in the team since arriving from Sporting in January.
Speaking about the midfielder, Solskjaer has highlighted the quality he’s added, explaining he’s been an ‘extra boost’ for everyone around Old Trafford.
“When we got Bruno right before the window closed, he provided an extra boost for the players, coaches, supporters and the club. So that has helped.” Solskjaer told TV2.
“Also, the week we had winter holidays was important to us, because we had 18 games in 60 days or something.”
Solskjaer believes that Bruno Fernandes has been great with and without the ball so far for Manchester United, and his attitude is his best feature.
“It’s not just what you see on the pitch. We can look at his movements, his passes, his dare to take risks, his finishes and his scoring goals. But his personality, too. He’s a player who wants the ball all the time, one who’s not afraid of making mistakes. He was in very good shape when he arrived. He’s an important piece in the game we are in.”
The former striker has also spoken about the tactics he’s been using in the team, and says Bruno Fernandes is the piece he needed to make some of it work.
“I, who am Norwegian and have worked under Sir Alex, am very happy in transitions and very happy in the way we attack when we win the ball. Yes, I have Kieran and Michael Carrick who have a slightly different introduction to what pressing games we use. The Everton press was an example of what we wanted. Forcing them to make mistakes, win the ball, the first ball goes forward and then preferably to Bruno, who’s incredibly good at freeing himself in the first phase. After all, we work on it in the field. They have to go through such situations quite often. Football is often decided in the exact seconds when you either lose or win the ball.”
Bruno Fernandes has six appearances for Manchester United, with three goals and two assists so far. He’s scored in the Red Devils’ last three matches, won Player of the Month for February, and has quickly become a hero for supporters.
