'Breath of fresh air', Rio Fernandes praises Manchester United star after recent displays

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has made an impressive start to his career with the Red Devils.

The Portuguese made the switch to Old Trafford prior to the January transfer deadline and he has since been a regular feature for the club in the starting lineup.

Fernandes has made five goalscoring contributions (three goals and two assists) from as many starts for the club and Ferdinand believes the playmaker has improved the performances of the players around him.

"He's come in and he's been a breath of fresh air. He's somebody who is going to have an impact and have an influence on other people it seems. He's come in and I'm seeing improvements in other people's performances," he told Sky Sports.

United will be in FA Cup action against Derby County on Thursday night. The Red Devils have beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tranmere Rovers to reach the fifth round of the competition.