In no time at all, Bruno Fernandes has set up home in the hearts of Manchester United fans through a special blend of skill and soul but there was a moment towards the end of the win over Manchester City that will take the affection to a whole new level.



An agitated Pep Guardiola — who would later screw his face up at United’s “long balls” and their “seven or eight players in defence” — chucked the ball away from Fernandes as he approached to take a throw-in. The two had words and, in a firm full stop to the exchange, Fernandes placed his finger to his lips. Yes, United’s new No 18 shushed a manager who has won 29 trophies and who has, to a large degree, evolved football in England.



“You need character at this club,” was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s response and there can be no doubting Fernandes in that department. There may even have been a few former Guardiola players smiling knowingly at the interaction...