Solskjaer hails Manchester United transfer process after Bruno Fernandes success

Tom Doyle27 July 2020

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Manchester United's scouting department after the signing of Bruno Fernandes fired the Red Devils into the Champions League.

United's prospects of Champions League qualification looked bleak back in January, but Fernandes' arrival from Sporting Lisbon kickstarted a remarkable 19-game unbeaten run.

That run ended with a 3-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea, but United remained unbeaten in the League as they beat Leicester City on the final day of the season to finish third in the table.

A third-placed finish is all the more remarkable considering United sat six points off the top four - and 14 off Leicester - before Fernandes' arrival, but the midfielder scored eight goals and assisted another seven to turn Solskjaer's season around.

Manchester United via Getty Images

Fernandes had been a target for United in summer 2019, though it is thought there had been doubts about his passing accuracy - but the 25-year-old has quickly become one of the Premier League's most dangerous attacking players.

Solskjaer has been key to shifting United's transfer policy since being appointed manager on a full-time basis, and Fernandes fits the coach's remit for signings who are 'humble and arrogant with an X-factor.'

While Solskjaer pushed to sign Fernandes, the Norwegian has credited the club's scouts for agreeing that the midfielder was the right fit for United.

"I believe that, of course, I need to go and watch him myself," Solskjaer said. "I’ve always known [his ability], as I’ve seen him on telly and that stuff.

"When I went to see him live he was exceptional in his enthusiasm; the way he wanted to win, that winning mentality.

"That was fantastic when I saw him, but I have to go back to all the chief scouts.

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"The scouting network has been really good, so it’s not like I can just pick someone and, if five of them say no, then I’ll force things through.

"It’s a team effort there as well. Of course, Bruno has come in and been fantastic for us."

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