Former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has revealed he was a hero for Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes.

Ireland says he is getting on well with his new pal from three doors up the street, and that the Portuguese has already offered to have a kickabout with his youngest son.

“He told me that, as a kid, he had a poster of me," Ireland told The Athletic.

“He said that when he played Football Manager he always signed me.

“I was like, 'You had me on a poster? And, seriously, you sign me for Football Manager?' I mean, how weird is that?"