Solskjaer exclusive: Bruno is a winner

In an exclusive interview with MUTV’s Mark Sullivan, the boss discusses what the Portuguese midfielder will bring to the table.

Solskjaer also reveals the thoughts behind Marcos Rojo’s loan to Estudiantes, and how he’ll approach Saturday’s Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

You can read the full transcript below…

Ole, your thoughts then on the signing of Bruno Fernandes?
"We're delighted, of course. We've followed Bruno for a long while and he's finally here. He's an absolute top player, top human being. Professional, winner, hates losing. So we're really looking forward to seeing him on the pitch. Of course, we'll have to give him time. It always takes time to settle into a new team and a new country, but he'll get the time and the chance now to build his career."

And what qualities does he bring to the team?
"Leadership qualities, high energy, technical qualities. He can see a pass. He scores, he assists. He's a very, very good all-round footballer."

And he wears the no.18 shirt, following the footsteps of possibly the best footballer we've ever had in Paul Scholes, your former team-mate, and he said he really admires Paul...
"Who wouldn't? Scholesy was unbelievable and let's hope Bruno can just enjoy playing football at Man United. I'm sure he will. He's a boy that loves football and that's one of the biggest things. You can see he plays with a smile on his face, but he's also determined. A bit Scholesy-ish, actually."

Is it too early for him then to get involved with the Wolves game?
"Well, we'll see how he is today. There's been loads of stress - well, not stress, what's the word? He's had loads to do the last few days, so we'll see how he is, how he feels. But he'll be involved, he'll definitely be reporting with the lads."

Good to hear. Meanwhile, Marcos Rojo leaves for Estudiantes on loan. He's a great lad isn't he, Marcos? We've really enjoyed working with him, he loves United and he was in the away end the other night, but he just wants to play football...
"Marcos was in the away end and he has been loads of times. He plays the same way, he's passionate and he absolutely loves playing and he needs to play now. He's hoping to get in the Copa America squad of course, and for us to give him that chance... Estudiantes is his home. Juan Seba Veron, he's going to look after him for us and I'm sure we'll get Marcos back in a better condition than he has been."

We wish him all the best there. How is the squad looking then, after the City game and looking ahead to Wolves?
"You're disappointed, you know, that we couldn't just get that last goal to turn it into a penalty shoot-out but the confidence they get from winning again at the Etihad must help them. Of course, it's a game again midweek, we had Tranmere at the weekend. Wolverhampton now have had 10 days' rest and preparation, so we know we'll have to squeeze the last bits of energy out of the boys now before the break."

It's a shame Nemanja [Matic] will be missing after picking up those two bookings. Soft bookings as well...
"Soft, they shouldn't even be talked about as bookings. But he played so well. He's played really well lately, so that's a big blow for us, but we'll have to find a way to replace him."

We've played Wolves so often recently, I've run out of questions to ask about them, but it has been a really good rivalry between the two sides...
"I think so, yeah. It's the sixth time now since I've come and six times since the end of March really, and the fourth time this season. It's a team we know, and every game has been tight and close. They've had chances, we've had chances and here we go again."

And we expect a close game at the weekend. But it is important if you can to pick up those three points before that much-needed winter break where you can recuperate and rejuvenate and go again...
"Of course. It's a great opportunity for us to finish these two months with that run of games. We're at home, we've got the fans behind us and we'll give it a proper go."

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