Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hailed new signing Bruno Fernandes as a "breath of fresh air" following his impressive start at the Premier League club.

The Manchester side bought the Portuguese midfielder in the January transfer window, completing a £68m deal with his former club Sporting Lisbon.

Since joining England's top tier, the 25-year-old has managed three goals and two assists, including the equaliser against Everton on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking to his Youtube channel, Ferdinand said: "He's come in and he's been a breath of fresh air. There's no heirs and graces and he looks like he's come in and is someone who wants to play football and enjoys his football

"He's somebody who is going to have an impact and have an influence on other people it seems. He's come in and I'm seeing improvements in other people's performances.

"[Juan] Mata for one, him and Mata have linked up very well. He plays the ball in to people, his awareness of space and people around him is phenomenal. It's still early days, we can't say he's the saviour, but where we are now he's scored two back to back penalties, but more importantly it's been his performances, how he's carefree, his imagination.

"The pass to Mata for the [Odion] Ighalo goal [against Brugge] where he's faked a couple of times and then dinked it to the back post, you can tell he's a bit different, he's not the same as everyone else. I'm delighted to see that."

United are back in action when they face Derby County in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Thursday night.