Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has likened January arrival Bruno Fernandes to Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.

Fernandes has had an instant impact since joining United from Sporting Lisbon, scoring three goals and creating four more in nine appearances across all competitions.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are still unbeaten with the Portuguese midfielder in their ranks, and the 25-year-old starred again when the Red Devils thrashed LASK Linz in their final game before the postponement of football due to coronavirus.

Speaking after the Europa League match against LASK, Hargreaves told BT Sport: "Every time he gets the ball he makes something happen. Fernandes is on fire - he created five chances in that first half.

"Like De Bruyne, he plays at his own speed - he's never rushed, finds pockets of space. He has given everyone at the club a lift."

De Bruyne, who is often regarded as one of the world's best midfielders, has directly contributed to 29 goals in 35 games this season, while Fernandes has had a hand in 36 from 37 outings.