Bruno Fernandes: statistics and profile of the Manchester United midfielder

Bruno Fernandes may turn out to be one of the most influential signings of the Premier League season, which would be some effort from the Manchester United man given he was still playing for Sporting against Maritimo in Lisbon on January 27.

Rarely does a transfer seemingly improve a club so swiftly and to such an extent that United are confidently eyeing success in two knockout competitions as well as Champions League qualification via a top-four finish in the Premier League.

The mood around Old Trafford has changed dramatically since Fernandes arrived for an initial fee believed to be in the region of £47 million with many potential add-ons included in the deal should the Portuguese ace be a long-term success with United.

Fernandes has raised standards and his side's shot count. His long-range strike against Everton last week was his third goal in six starts and his first from open play following penalties against Watford and Club Brugge.

The goal at Everton was one of six shots Fernandes mustered at Goodison Park, eclipsing the five efforts on his debut against Wolves as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer changed formation to a midfield diamond to enhance the goalscoring potential of the 25-year-old.

• Manchester derby preview and best bet

"We have got the number ten position nailed down," gushed Solskjaer as he compared Fernandes to Paul Scholes and Juan Sebastian Veron, even though his shot choice and volume is probably more reminiscent of Frank Lampard.

Fernandes had four shots in a ten-minute cameo away to Brugge in the Europa League and he is 4-6 with bet365 to have three or more shots (11-10 not to) against Manchester City in Sunday's Premier League derby dust-up at Old Trafford.

United's 2-0 win at Chelsea last month has been the only time Fernandes has not had at least three shots in his seven appearances.

On that occasion United had 39 per cent possession and they are likely to struggle to get on the ball judging by their meetings with City this season. They have had an average of 37 per cent possession in the three Manchester derbies.

Fernandes, a 7-2 shot with Betfred to score, is 12-1 with Sky Bet to notch from outside the penalty area and this fixture should give observers a much better indication of whether he can live up to Solskjaer's lofty comparisons.

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