Daniel James believes Bruno Fernandes is already being viewed as a senior member of the Manchester United squad thanks to his impact off the field since joining from Sporting Lisbon.
Fernandes completed his long-awaited move to Old Trafford in the January transfer window and has hit the ground running in England, netting two goals and registering three assists in just five Premier League appearances.
The Portugal international has a made a significant difference on the pitch and his demeanour on the training ground has been praised too, with Fernandes emerging as a leader in the squad.
He wore the captain's armband at Sporting and James said his new teammate already has an important role away from the spotlight due to his leadership skills in the dressing room.
" I think coming in, we'd researched him and knew he was a great player but also a great character on and off the pitch," he told NBC Sport.
" He's 25 but we already see him as that senior player, having that character, he speaks to a lot of players about how they can improve, not to be harsh on them but to help the team improve.
" He speaks to me and other players about communication and what he likes to do.
"He's not played with us and he's had quite a few games now, he's getting better and better which comes down to the training ground.
" He's been a great player since he's coming in but it's about his character as well."
James has made 37 appearances for United since his summer switch from Swansea City and admitted he didn't believe reported interest from United was genuine at first.
Asked for his reaction to United chasing his signature, he added: " I can't remember the exact place I was but I know it was a time near the end of the season.
"It was only talk at the start so I didn't really believe it to be honest.
"I still don't believe it now!
"It was a mad time - I was enjoying my time at Swansea, we had a good end to the season and tried to push for the play off spots but we didn't end up getting them.
"To hear that Manchester United were interested was surreal for me because it was my first year in senior football.
"The year before I'd went out on loan and not played so it was just surreal and at the first moment I didn't believe it."
