Bruno Fernandes is the BEST Man Utd player of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era

Manchester United were a winning machine under Sir Alex Ferguson, but came screeching to a halt after the legendary manager called time on his glorious 26-year reign at the helm following the 2012-23 campaign.

That season saw the Red Devils claim a record-extending 13th Premier League title, but they haven't come close to winning it since, with David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick all failing to follow in Ferguson's footsteps.

United have struggled despite continuing to spend big money in the transfer market, with Angel Di Maria, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku among those to flop spectacularly. There have, though, been a few successes.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani delivered plenty of goals after joining the club on free transfers, while Ander Herrera and Juan Mata endeared themselves to supporters with their effort levels and passion to make a difference.

Luke Shaw and Fred are loved for similar reasons, with both men still a part of the squad, but there is no one signing that has shone brighter for United than Bruno Fernandes over the past decade.

After a drawn-out transfer saga, the Portugal international was finally snapped up from Sporting CP in a £47 million January deal back in 2020, and he has proven to be worth every single penny.

Fernandes made an instant impact at Old Trafford, and is now the most important member of a squad that finally looks ready to return to the elite stage under Erik ten Hag.

But what makes the 28-year-old such a special player?