Arsenal flop Torreira's warning to Fernandes that he didn't need to give

11 February 2024 , 06:30

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Bruno Fernandes has been one of Man United's few success stories in the transfer market (Image: PA)

Bruno Fernandes was warned by Lucas Torreira he would have to quickly adapt to the Premier League's physical nature before the Manchester United star went on to become an instant hit.

The Portuguese midfielder moved to Old Trafford in the January transfer window back in 2020 for a hefty fee having impressed whilst at Sporting Lisbon. Before playing in his homeland Fernandes had also excelled in Italy with the likes of Udinese and Sampdoria.

It was at the latter where he played alongside Torreira, who moved to Arsenal in the summer of 2018. The Uruguayan quickly became accustomed to the attritional nature of England's top flight and told his former team-mate he'd have to do likewise if he wanted to succeed.

Torreira told Sky Sports: "I really hope he adapts quickly, particularly as the Premier League is so physical and intense as a championship. I'm sure he has the right mentality to adapt quickly. Obviously, he's joining a big club in Manchester United so I hope he enjoys the move."

Fernandes needn't have worried as he became an instant hit, inspiring a United side that had struggled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The midfielder netted his first goal in a win over Watford, converting from the penalty spot which began his impressive run in front of goal.

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Despite joining midseason he scored 12 times as the Red Devils went unbeaten for the final 14 games of the season en route to a third-place finish. The year after, with Fernandes fully embedded in the English game, he went on to reach new heights.

He scored 28 times in all competitions, his highest figure whilst at United, as Solskjaer's side rose to second in the league, even sitting top of the pile at one point. In his first year and a half in England, Fernandes was also named the Premier League's Player of the Month an astounding four times.

Lucas Torreira had Premier League experience when Bruno Fernandes first moved to England

Torreira meanwhile, despite beginning his Arsenal career in impressive fashion, began to struggle at the Emirates amid several managerial changes. In his first 18 months, he played under three different coaches - Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and Mikel Arteta.

His playing time gradually decreased and eventually, he moved away on loan, first to Atletico Madrid and then to Fiorentina, to ensure he could get minutes. Arsenal have since sold Torreira to Galatasaray and he helped the Turkish side secure a memorable win over United and Fernandes in the Champions League earlier this season.

Samuel Meade