Patrice Evra has revealed how he and Cristiano Ronaldo played a role in Manchester United capturing Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese Magnifico joined the club in January after completing a £68m transfer from Sporting Lisbon (via Daily Mail) and made an immediate impact. Without his influence on the time, it’s hard seeing United being able to mount a challenge and finishing third in the Premier League.
United were positioned outside the top four when Fernandes signed but he scored eight goals and made seven assists from midfield as the Reds secured their place in the Champions League.
Both Evra and Ronaldo were team-mates with United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during their time at Old Trafford.
Evra has revealed how Solskjaer sought their advice before making a move for Fernandes.
“When they wanted to sign Bruno Fernandes, Ole texted me. I asked for advice from Cristiano Ronaldo,” Evra told The Guardian.
“Cristiano says, ‘Bruno’s a good guy and very professional.’
“I say, ‘Ole, I’ve spoken to Cristiano. Let’s go for it.’
“And Fernandes had a massive impact. Without him I don’t think we would have qualified for the Champions League.”
It would be naive to think ex-teammates wouldn’t communicate in this way. Solskjaer will make use of his book of contacts when acquiring players and players like Evra and Ronaldo, who have played at the highest level for years beyond years, should be a good judgement of talent.
You would hope he’ll do It again this summer in his search for a right winger because it feels like United are dithering over Jadon Sancho, who is supposedly our prime target this summer…
Read more: Pogba won’t be leaving Manchester United this summer, says agent
