Bryan Robson has hailed Bruno Fernandes for brining the best out of Paul Pogba and the rest of the Manchester United squad, and feels new signing Donny van de Beek will have a similar impact.
Fernandes arrived at Old Trafford in January and has had a wonderful impact, quickly becoming a key player in the side and showing impressive leadership skills in the process.
Scoring 12 goals in his first 22 games for the club, from midfield, is an excellent return, but former United captain Robson feels the Portuguese has had a wider influence than just finding the back of the net.
The arrival of Fernandes has allowed Pogba to rediscover some form after injury struggles and looking like he was going to leave the club this summer.
Robson believes Van de Beek will have a similar impact having arrived from Ajax, and feels Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been excellent in the transfer market since becoming Manchester United manager.
‘For success, it’s got to be about personality and ability,’ Robson told The Sun. ‘You look at the impact Bruno has had on Pogba. He is helping Paul to become a better player and express himself.
‘Since he has been at the club, Paul has started to play the way we know he can. And if they’ve now got another one in Van de Beek, then they have a real chance.
‘I’m not having it that [Harry] Maguire isn’t absolutely top class. Yes, he’s made the odd mistake, but what centre-half doesn’t? What is most important is that he has personality, that drive.
‘He’s a leader but there is a whole team of leaders beginning to develop in there, just like we had. Van de Beek, with the personality many within Old Trafford have told me he has, will fit right in.
‘Ole talked about creating the right culture within his squad and he is doing it – last season you saw the start. Now he has another in there who will add to the team spirit.’
Manchester United begin their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, when Fernandes will certainly be involved and Van de Beek is expected to make his debut, although Pogba is not fully match fit and may start on the bench.
Further explaining his love for Fernandes, Robson recalled the dressing down the Portuguese gave Victor Lindelof in the Europa League semi-final against Sevilla, which he feels is a sign of a great player.
‘I love how feisty Bruno is,’ he said. ‘Can you remember the Sevilla game in the Europa League? [Victor] Lindelof switches off and they score.
‘Well, Fernandes dug him out – and I would have done exactly the same thing. I love that, Bruno saw it and had a go – you should do – to improve people. And if Ole now has another one like Bruno in the form of Donny van de Beek, then I’m all for it.’
