It was a busy transfer window for United as they managed to bring in some much-needed fresh blood. Bruno Fernandes was the player that most United fans were excited to see make the move to the club, with many fans having hoped that the signing may have been completed last summer.
However, the Portuguese has already made an immediate impact on the club’s fortunes on the pitch. Fernandes hasn’t tasted defeat since joining the club, and he marked his second appearance at Old Trafford with a first goal for the Red Devils. The central midfielder scored the opener from the penalty spot to set United on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win.
During that match he also set up the two other goals. His impact on the team is undeniable and going forward, he will be a vital member of the team, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may even opt to build his team around the Portuguese. Solskjaer has already compared Fernandes to former great Paul Scholes, and it isn’t hard to see where this link comes from.
Fernandes is an excellent passer of the ball, and he is the man at the front of everything progressive United do in the final third. He will continue to be a vital member of the team for the remainder of the season, and United’s chances of a top four finish could hinge on Fernandes staying fit.
The winter signing from Sporting Lisbon wasn’t the only business that United did, as they also brought in a fresh option in attack. Odion Ighalo’s move to Old Trafford was a shock to many people, but in truth, it isn’t going to hinder United’s chances and the move has no possible negatives. Ighalo has the Premier League quality that Solskjaer craved and the short-term loan was best for all parties.
Ighalo will not be the first-choice striker for United, but he will ensure that Anthony Martial remains at the top of his game as he now has competition. The signing has immediately raised Martial’s performance levels as he has scored twice in three games since Ighalo was brought in. Ighalo is also a breath of fresh air, as he gets what it means to play for United. He has given 100% every time he has been on the pitch to date, and fans have immediately warmed to him.
He was unlucky not to have got his first goal for the club in Sunday’s fixture against Watford, as he hit the post in the closing stages. However, it would only seem a matter of time before he finally finds the back of the net. If he can manage to excel for the final months of the season, then he could be rewarded with a full-time contract at the club.
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