PHIL NEVILLE has compared new Manchester United favourite Bruno Fernandes with expensive flop Juan Sebastian Veron.
Despite the manner in which Veron’s Old Trafford career fizzled out, Neville, 43, believes that he can see shades of his former team-mate in the way that Fernandes plays.
He told Premier League Productions: “He’s a really technical player, always wants to take the ball.
“People talk about Paul Scholes but he reminds me more of Veron with the way he’s got that invincibility of taking people on, a lot of shots from distance.
“The positions which he takes up I think are really interesting. He always finds space.”
The Portuguese midfielder, 25, has started his United career in electrifying form, providing three goals and four assists in his first nine appearances – galvanising the supporters in the process.
Funnily enough, Veron also managed three goals in his first nine United matches, before his time in the North West fizzled out.
Sir Alex Ferguson had shattered the British transfer record to sign the Argentine for £28million – with much expected of the new recruit.
But following his reasonably promising start in England, Veron began to struggle for fitness and form.
Ferguson, however, bullishly stood by his man – once ranting at the end of a press conference: “He [Veron] is a f***ing great player and you’re all f***ing idiots.”
Fernandes and Co return to action on Friday night with a trip to North London to face Tottenham Hotspur.
The Red Devils go into the match four points above their former manager Jose Mourinho’s side – and three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
And Fernandes will be hoping to put in another stellar performance, in order to put further daylight between themselves and their fellow top-four rivals.
