Ryan Giggs says Bruno Fernandes needs to win a trophy to join the likes of Eric Cantona on the list of Manchester United legends.
The Portuguese star struck a glorious free-kick winner in United's 3-2 FA Cup fourth round victory over rivals Liverpool to once again remind everyone of his influence on the side.
The midfielder, 26, has scored 28 goals since arriving at Old Trafford last January with United transforming from a struggling side into Premier League leaders.
His talismanic role in the side has been compared club legend Cantona, who led United to six major honours after arriving at the club in 1992.
After Fernandes took a step closer to winning his coveted first trophy with the club, fellow legend Giggs claimed United's current main man needs to add that silverware in order for him to be considered on the levels of the iconic Frenchman.
'Eric, when we won the FA Cup in 95-96, he was the difference. In the big games he would every often be the difference', Giggs told Stadium Astro.
'Fernandes undoubtedly has had a massive impact on United. There have been comparisons with Eric and the impact he has had – not just his quality but the fact everyone around him seems to be playing better.
'You can just see he is a winner. When things aren't going right he is telling other players, he's having a go at the referee, he is constantly moaning and he wants to win.
'He has been a revelation since he came to United. Like all top players, he has to do it in the big games and then win trophies.'
Since Fernandes joined United from Sporting Lisbon in the winter window of 2020, no team has earned more points in the league than their 72 points.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side's form in the league and cup have began to make fans dream they could once again challenge for silverware, as they continue to wait for their first title since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
Fans became accustomed to talismans such as Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney leading the great United teams of the past, and Fernandes' ability to consistently contribute has been a throwback to those times.
'Of course there are similarities (with Cantona) – penalty takers, scoring and assisting goals, same position', Giggs added, 'The results have changed since he came into the club and generally lifted the club. But, Eric won three or four leagues and the FA Cup – that's the benchmark.
'It's not easy because there is a lot of quality and not a lot of trophies to win. Once he has done that, then you can talk about him and the likes of Cantona.'
Source: m.allfootballapp.com