Premier League English

Steve Bruce: Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes needs trophies to justify comparisons to Cantona

Unquestionably a galvanising force since his arrival at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon a little over a year ago, Bruno Fernandes’ impact at the club has already given rise to comparisons being made between him and United legend Eric Cantona when the latter arrived at the club nearly 30 years ago, which was seen as auspiciously kicking off a period of sustained success.

Steve Bruce, however, believes comparisons between Fernandes and Cantona should be tempered until the Portuguese wins trophies at Manchester United.

With already 21 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season, Fernandes’ impact at the club has been likened to when Cantona joined the Red Devils nearly 30 years ago, with the Frenchman’s signing often hailed as the final piece of the jigsaw that preceded a period of sustained success.

Although recognising how influential Fernandes has been, Bruce feels comparisons between the two can only be justified when the attacking midfielder brings some silverware to the club.

“What you have to judge people on over a period of time is what they’ve won. Certainly, Eric for us, was the catalyst to go and win things,” Bruce said ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Old Trafford on Sunday evening.

“The way Fernandes has played in the last 12 months, it feels a bit like Eric because it’s his stage. Eric adored everything that went with playing for arguably the biggest and best club in the world.

“Fernandes has done fantastically well in doing that, it’s his stage. For it to be even suggested that he’s on the same hymn sheet as Eric is a wonderful compliment to him.

“Now they have to go and achieve and win things the way Eric did, and on big occasions win cup finals and semi-finals. If he does that, then of course you can compare him to Eric.”

Arriving at Manchester United on January 30, 2020, Fernandes reminisced about fond memories of him watching Cristiano Ronaldo lighting up Old Trafford. Twelve months later the Portuguese from Sporting Lisbon is now their shining star himself – the £46.6m game-changing signing that United’s supporters were yearning for during last winter’s window.

The Portuguese midfield dynamo hit the ground running with a frenzied passion that instantly impressed both United’s supporters and his team-mates and has since continued to be the difference-maker in the United side, the tour de force in an unexpected rise to the top of the Premier League table last month for the Red Devils.

On the eve of the anniversary of Bruno Fernandes signing for Manchester Utd, the statistics reflect the dramatic impact the 26-year-old has had at United.

In all there have been 28 goals and 17 assists across his 52 appearances since making his debut against Wolves on February 1. No mean feat as no Premier League player has more goal involvements across all competitions for their club.

Fernandes also had the distinction of being the top scorer in the Europa League last season, helping United reach the semi-finals, and had also gone on to scoop up player-of-the-month awards in record-breaking fashion. To no surprise, he was also awarded United’s player-of-the-year prize.

But Fernandes’ influence stretches beyond his formidable figures for goals, assists, and individual prizes. This is a player who has improved those around him.