Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has backed the club's new signing Bruno Fernandes to begin "controlling games" once he settles into life in the Premier League.
Fernandes ended one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the past year when he completed his move to Old Trafford last month, putting pen to paper on a deal worth an initial £46.5m which could rise to almost £68m.
The 25-year-old was immediately drafted into the starting lineup by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and led a number of his side's statistical measures during the drab 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Berbatov was impressed with what he saw from the Portuguese international but warned that he will have to improve physically if he is to thrive in the Premier League.
"Bruno Fernandes performed well on his debut against Wolves. He will need a few games to get used to the rhythm of the team but the Portuguese midfielder showed that he's an intelligent player, with an eye for a killer pass and powerful shot," Berbatov told Betfair.
"As he grows into his role, I can see Fernandes controlling games. But there were a couple of incidents that suggested he needs to work on the physical side of his game. The Premier League is the most physical league, much tougher than the Portuguese league and faster too.
"The signs are good for Fernandes and I am looking forward to United's next match, following the winter break, to see how he slots into United's system and if he can add creativity."
Fernandes scored 15 goals and supplied 14 assists during his 28 games with Sporting this season before completing his move to Manchester.
Barney Corkhill
