Alex Telles is glad to finally be on the same side as Bruno Fernandes – after admitting his Manchester United team-mate was “annoying” to play against.
Full-back Telles came up against Fernandes several times in Portugal when he was playing for Benfica and United's talisman was at Sporting Lisbon.
Telles recalled how Fernandes, who has scored 23 goals and provided 14 assists in 40 appearances for United since his £47.5million move in January, was a nightmare to play against.
“Me and Bruno have known each other for a while now,” said Telles.
“Bruno has always stood out wherever he played and he's undoubtedly our main player here today.
“We were rivals on the pitch and today we're team-mates playing in the same team.
“I've said to him that at the time he was quite annoying to play against on the pitch, always wanting to win, obviously.
“He's a guy with a massive heart and immense quality, it's there for everybody to see and I don't need to talk any more about Bruno's quality. It's a pleasure to play with him.
“He's a great guy who is always willing to help everybody and he really makes a difference and that's great.”
In under a year, Fernandes, 26, has become United's most influential player, one his team-mates will again be looking to lead them to victory in Thursday's trip to the Premier League's bottom club, Sheffield United.
Asked to explain what makes Fernandes such a key player, Telles, speaking to Inside United, said: “My summary is simple - decisive!
“He's a decisive player. He may not stand out in one game or another, but he's still decisive.
“When he's in front of goal or from a free-kick, or penalty, he's always showing his quality.
“He's got a strong mind and personality in his vision and thinking.
“It's a source of pride and an honour to have someone like this in the team, someone that can help and motivate us in every game.”
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