Cristiano Ronaldo helped convince Manchester United to pursue a move for Bruno Fernandes, according to Patrice Evra.
United reinforced their squad in the January transfer window when they completed a £47million deal to sign Portugal international Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.
Club officials told MEN Sport of the immediate lift Fernandes brought to the entire first-team squad as early as his first training session, with his impact inspiring United to a previously unforeseeable third-place finish in the Premier League.
Fernandes has netted 12 goals and notched eight assists during his first seven months at the club, and Evra believes his former club would not have qualified for the Champions League without his addition.
The 25-year-old is arguably the most important player at United right now and Evra has revealed the accurate verdict Ronaldo gave of his compatriot back in January.
"When they wanted to sign Bruno Fernandes, Ole texted me. I asked for advice from Cristiano Ronaldo," Evra told The Guardian.
"Cristiano says: ‘Bruno’s a good guy and very professional.’ I say: ‘Ole, I’ve spoken with Cristiano. Let’s go for it.’
"And Fernandes had a massive impact. Without him I don’t think we would have qualified for the Champions League."
