United's Portuguese representatives
Bruno Fernandes is set to follow in the footsteps of five of his fellow countrymen by joining Manchester United.
The midfielder's arrival from Sporting Lisbon on Thursday means he will become the sixth Portuguese player to represent the Reds' first team.
Below is a brief bio on Bruno's predecessors from his homeland...
(2010-2014) 7 apps, 2 goals.
The winger joined United in 2010, alongside fellow new signings Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling. Bebe spent much of his four years at Old Trafford on loan and headed for Turkish outfit Besiktas in 2011/12 before returning to Portugal for two short-term deals. The attacker scored twice for the Reds - against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup and during a 3-0 away Champions League victory over Bursaspor in 2010. The 29-year-old now plies his trade in the Spanish second tier with Rayo Vallecano.
(2017-present) 29 apps, 1 goal.
Our young full-back is enjoying his second season at United, having been signed by his fellow countryman Jose Mourinho in the summer of 2018. In his first campaign with the Reds, the defender made 26 appearances and played an important role in our Emirates FA Cup and Champions League runs. This year, Dalot’s playing time has been affected by injury, but he did recently register his maiden goal for United in the 6-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers and described it as a “release” of emotion after the game.
(2007-2015) 230 apps, 41 goals.
In seven full years at Old Trafford, our tricky no.17 established himself as one of the best wingers in the Premier League. His excellent crossing, powerful shooting from distance and ability to dribble past opposition players, meant Nani was a nightmare for defenders to deal with. The wide man helped United win four league titles during his stint here and is the proud owner of two League Cup winners’ medals, as well as one from the Champions League in 2008, when he successfully converted his penalty in the tense shoot-out. Since leaving the Reds, Nani has played in Turkey, Spain, Italy and Portugal and now represents MLS outfit Orlando City.
(2017-present) 3 apps.
After coming through our youth system, Joel made his United debut in 2017 during an FA Cup clash against Wigan Athletic, before playing his first Premier League game in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, on the final day of the 2016/17 season. The goalkeeper has enjoyed five loan spells since becoming part of the first-team squad and is currently with Scottish side, Hearts.
Cristiano Ronaldo
(2003-2009) 292 apps, 118 goals.
Widely believed to be one of the sport's greatest-ever players, Ronaldo - like Fernandes - joined United from Sporting Lisbon, after impressing in a 2003 pre-season friendly against Sir Alex Ferguson's side. During his six years in Manchester, the attacker developed into one of the world’s finest talents and won almost every piece of silverware possible in that time, including three Premier League titles, as well as the FA Cup, League Cup (2), Champions League and Club World Cup. Since moving to Real Madrid in 2009 - and subsequently Juventus - the icon’s list of accolades has increased to include five Ballon d’Or successes and four more Champions League winners’ medals, as well as guiding Portugal to triumph at Euro 2016 and the Nations League finals last year.
Reading this in our app? If not, you might miss some exclusive features not found on ManUtd.com. Download the Official App here.