Cristiano Ronaldo's praise of Bruno Fernandes helped Manchester United come to a decision to sign the Portuguese international - according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Fernandes joined United from Sporting Lisbon in January and has helped transform the club who are on a 17-match unbeaten run.
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The 25-year-old was on United's radar for some time and one unexpected scouting tip came from club legend and Portgual teammate Ronaldo.
Solskjaer told the High Performance podcast that he managed to get in touch with the 35-year-old to get his thoughts on Fernandes.
"So obviously Cristiano was an easy goal for me that I managed to get through [to ask about Bruno Fernandes]," he began per @utdreport.
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"Through Patrice Evra, I managed to get hold of Cristiano and his recommendation obviously stood him in good stead."
Solskjaer wasn't the only man to ask the five-time Ballon d'Or winner about the midfielder prior to his arrival.
Former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand explained that Ronaldo praised Fernandes' ability to "create chances for Portugal."
"I've spoken to a few of his teammates at national level and club level," Ferdinand told FIVE.
"Nani, my old teammate, says he's a fantastic player, says he's perfect for England. Says he's got all the tools, all the right attributes.
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"Cristiano said he's fantastic, creates chances for him [for Portugal]. He can manipulate the ball, take the ball, confident.
"These are the type of things that you want to hear when Manchester United are signing a player."
Fernandes is yet to lose a game as a United player, scoring eight goals and assisting seven in his 15 appearances so far.
Solskjaer further praised Fernandes' character and revealed: "The first day he [Bruno Fernandes] was in the club, he shook everyone's hand - he didn't come in here thinking 'I'm the, I'm the big shot. You follow me'. No, he shook absolutely every staff members' hand."
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United will come third in the Premier League if they win all four of their remaining games and are also in contention for two trophies, the FA Cup and Europa League.
It's a far cry from the situation they found themselves in after losing their last game.
A 2-0 defeat to Burnley at Old Trafford on January 22 left many fearing Solskjaer would face the sack after nine months as permanent manager.
Do you think Manchester United will finish in the top four this season?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Bruno Fernandes, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Cristiano Ronaldo
