Bruno Fernandes may have emerged as Manchester United's star man over the last 12 months but he had few supporters during his solitary season at Sampdoria, according to one of his former teammates.
The Portuguese has scored 22 goals in just 36 appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side since making the move to Old Trafford during the last January transfer window.
A similar return from midfield across three seasons at Sporting Lisbon is what put him on the Red Devils' radar, but the progress of Fernandes' career hasn't always been linear.
Indeed, during one forgettable campaign at Sampdoria prior to his return to Portugal, the midfielder was adjudged to lack 'tactical nous and intensity'.
That is the view of former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, who insists he was one of few players who believed in Fernandes during their brief time together in Italy.
“I was one of the few who supported him… Bruno has always had everything, it's just that when he arrived in Italy, he lacked tactical nous and intensity," Viviano told Tuttomercatoweb.
"He learned it and now he has exploded, also because he has everything: right foot, left foot, technique but also an incredible dribbling ability.
"He is a technical leader, what Manchester United perhaps lacked.”
Sampdoria 
Liverpool 
Sporting CP 
