Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says Bruno Fernandes is better than he was

Paul Scholes has praised the ‘phenomenal’ impact Bruno Fernandes has made at Manchester United and admitted the Portuguese playmaker is better than he was.

Fernandes scored a goal and set up another for Marcus Rashford but United were twice pegged back to draw 2-2 at Leicester City on Boxing Day.

He has now contributed 26 goals and supplied 16 assists in 44 matches since arriving from Sporting Lisbon at the end of January.

Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring in Manchester United's 2-2 draw at Leicester City

Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Leicester City

The Portuguese star scored yet again on Boxing Day - his 26th goal since arriving at United

The Portuguese star scored yet again on Boxing Day – his 26th goal since arriving at United

Paul Scholes has praised Fernandes and believes him to be a better player than he was

Paul Scholes has praised Fernandes and believes him to be a better player than he was

Fernandes has been so transformative for United a table of Premier League results since his debut produced by BT Sport showed United just two points behind reigning champions Liverpool but with a game in hand.

And Old Trafford legend Scholes was effusive in his praise of Fernandes and the impression he has made.

‘What’s he’s doing is phenomenal, really,’ Scholes told United’s Tunnel Insider show.

‘I think if you look, since he’s been [at the club], United would be top of the league if they won their game in hand, with more points than Liverpool, which is strange to think really because they’ve had such a bad start to the season.

‘Well, you thought it was a bad start to the season, but they’re still right in there and I think they can only get better.

A table produced by BT Sport showed that United have taken just two points less than Liverpool since Fernandes arrived in January - and still retain a game in hand

A table produced by BT Sport showed that United have taken just two points less than Liverpool since Fernandes arrived in January – and still retain a game in hand

Fernandes celebrates the goal that put United 2-1 ahead at the King Power Stadium

Fernandes celebrates the goal that put United 2-1 ahead at the King Power Stadium 

‘The numbers he has produced are just ridiculous. Let’s hope he carries on.’

Scholes scored 155 goals in 718 matches during a stellar United career that spanned 19 seasons and won him every major honour, but he believes Fernandes can usurp him.

‘He’s better than me. He’s different to me. He scores more goals than me, he creates more goals than me,’ Scholes added.

‘I’d like to play with him, probably behind him would be alright. But no, he’s been sensational, a big difference.

Scholes celebrates scoring one of his 155 goals for United - against Newcastle in April 2003

Scholes celebrates scoring one of his 155 goals for United – against Newcastle in April 2003

‘I think before he came to the team, United could hardly create a chance with some of the stuff they were playing but now they look like they can score three, four or five goals every game.’

United’s draw at Leicester saw them drop to fourth in the Premier League table after the weekend’s matches but there is a quick opportunity to return to winning ways as they host Wolves on Wednesday night.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side then face a quick turnaround to a home fixture against Aston Villa on New Year’s Day.  

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