Ronaldo's key role in Bruno deal

Patrice Evra has revealed the key role Cristiano Ronaldo played in Manchester United's move for Bruno Fernandes. 

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Fernandes signed a five-and-a-half year contract at Old Trafford earlier this year in a deal worth an initial £46.6million. The transfer saga dragged for much of last summer and into the winter window before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finally got his man as the deadline approached in January. 

The 25-year-old's short Old Trafford career has been a triumph thus far, with the Portugal international scoring 12 goals in 22 matches across all competitions for the club. 

Now former Manchester United full-back Evra has revealed the key part Ronaldo played in the transfer, which helped Solskjaer determine he would press ahead with a move for Fernandes. 

"When they wanted to sign Bruno Fernandes, Ole texted me," Evra told The Guardian.

"I asked Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano says: 'Bruno's a good guy and very professional.' I say: 'Ole, I've spoken with Cristiano. Let's go for it.' And Fernandes had a massive impact.

"Without him I don't think we would have qualified for the Champions League."