Solskjaer excited after seeing Fernandes excel with game-winning trait

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that he is “very excited” by Bruno Fernandes’ potential at the club after the midfielder’s contributions against Watford.

January arrival Fernandes had shown glimpses of his talent in a 2-0 defeat of Chelsea earlier this week but he came to life by scoring and setting up the two other goals in United’s 3-0 win over Watford.

The Hornets did have their chances but Fernandes was clinical as he opened his Red Devils account through a penalty, before Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood finished the visitors off.

The result is United’s second successive Premier League clean sheet but it was Fernandes’ performance that Solskjaer was more pleased with.

“A very good win, two good wins and two clean sheets, some goals to celebrate, now we want to kick on,” the manager told BBC Sport.

“I thought first half we started by gifting them some good opportunities and gradually we created more and more chances.

“Bruno Fernandes is quicker than he looks. Very excited by having him in.

“He has come in, given everyone a boost and wants to conduct a game. There are big games coming up now.

“The thing that matters in football is scoring goals and that is what Mason Greenwood does.”

United return to Old Trafford on Thursday when they welcome Club Brugge, looking to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League following a 1-1 draw in Belgium on Thursday.

After that, the Red Devils play Everton at Goodison Park before an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Derby County.