Dimitar Berbatov issues Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo comparison for Manchester United

Manchester United announced the signing of Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon on Thursday.

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has compared the signing of Bruno Fernandes to the captures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.

The 25-year-old midfielder joined Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side on Thursday as the clubs first recruit in the January transfer window, bolstering their ranks for the top-four fight that lies ahead.

His arrival comes at an important time for United, with the return of Europa League football just a few weeks away, and provides a boost with Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba injured.

Having starred for Sporting in recent seasons, which includes his haul of 20 goals and seven assists last term, expectation is high - and Berbatov has made an exciting comparison.

"He is following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani and I hope he makes the same impact that both those players did. I mean what can you say about Ronaldo that hasn't been already said? When I share the changing room with him he was always a great professional, he had a great work ethic and he was a great lad as well," he told Betfair.

"He could take a joke and give it back. At first it was a bit difficult for Nani because he was playing in a similar position to Cristiano, but he held his own when he needed to. 

"I heard rumours that Barcelona were also interested in signing him, and if that was the case he has shown that he prefers United so he must have seen something he liked. He's going to play but he is a big money signing and now he needs to justify to the club why he is worth so much.

"He doesn't need to think about the price and as a midfield player I don't think he needs to focus on scoring goals, his purpose is to control games, get assists and help his team mates and the most important thing is to get into the rhythm of the Premier League."

Fernandes could make his Premier League debut against Wolves on Saturday and is eligible to feature in the knockout stages of the Europa League for United.

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