Jason McAteer admits he had hoped to see Bruno Fernandes in a Liverpool shirt prior to his move to rivals Manchester United.
The former Reds midfielder recalled a fine performance from Fernandes for former club Sporting Lisbon against Liverpool back in 2019, in which he scored in a 2-2 friendly draw.
The 25-year-old has proved a revelation since his Old Trafford arrival in January, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 10 Premier League games.
Fernandes has also helped get the best out of Paul Pogba since the Premier League's restart, with United chasing a Champions League place having won four matches in succession.
McAteer - who made 139 appearances for Liverpool - insists much of United's success should be attributed to the midfielder.
"Manchester United were in disarray not long ago," he told the Racing Post.
"There seemed to be a lack of characters in the dressing room but the lockdown now looks to have provided them with a welcome break and they have benefited from some work on the training ground.
"They have started back well and Bruno Fernandes has been brilliant.
"I saw him play against Liverpool for Sporting Lisbon in the summer in America and he was brilliant. I was hoping Liverpool would sign him and he’s been a huge influence.
"He has made Paul Pogba look a better player and you can tell the younger members of the team have been given more confidence.
"They know that they have a player who is capable of finding them when they are in good positions.
"Their defence is still a concern and I think they are prone to sulking if they go a goal behind but they are lying in wait for Leicester to continue slipping up and they look ready to pounce.
"Much of their rejuvenation is down to their Portuguese midfielder."
