09 December 2023 , 08:00
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Bruno Fernandes has made a seismic impact at Manchester United since joining the club in 2020 - but they were far from the only elite club courting him at the time.
Fernandes, 29, quickly established himself as Sporting Clube de Portugal's talisman after moving back to his homeland from Italy and was on the radar of several European heavyweights.
It was United, though, who firmed up their interest in Fernandes. After flirting with a move in the summer of 2019, the Red Devils swooped in the January transfer window to sign Fernandes, who had a transformative effect on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team.
His impact was immediate, leading some to question why United were allowed to sign him uncontested. Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol was adamant that it was because clubs were put off by the underwhelming start to his career in Italy.
"There's always that temptation [of getting carried away too soon], particularly when it's so obvious the difference he's made and so obvious that he was joining a team that needed something," Nicol said of Fernandes to ESPN back in March 2020.
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"So far he's been the inspiration. I always wondered why, for the last couple of years he's always been mentioned by the top sides but it seems no one has ever gone that extra mile and signed him.
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Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United back in January 2020 after months of speculation linking him with a transfer (Ash Donelon/Manchester United FC)"And I guess what Gab's [Gabriele Marcotti] saying there, I didn't know about his previous to be honest, and I'd have to think that's what put clubs off. But Manchester United are actually going to benefit because clearly the guy has figured it out.
"And when you've been through a tough situation and you turn all that around, and you start doing the things he's doing in the Premier League, then that to me I don't believe is going to be a flash in the pan. I think he's here to stay."
While it remains to be seen if Nicol was right about other clubs and their opinions on Fernandes' days in Italy, United have reaped the rewards of taking a gamble on the midfield maestro.
Not only has Fernandes plundered 69 goals in 205 appearances for Manchester United, he's evolved into a leader, too - something Erik ten Hag quickly recognised after handing him the captain's armband in the summer.
United don't always get it right in the transfer market, especially in recent years. Pulling the trigger on a move for Fernandes remains one of their rare wins.