Manchester United technical director Darren Fletcher has sung the praises of Bruno Fernandes.

Fletcher has explained why Fernandes' reaction to losing the ball is one of his key qualities — as well as his obvious ability to pick a pass.

“He's top class in so many ways," Fletcher told FourFourTwo.

“He can disguise the final execution of a pass, so that defenders can't see it coming. He has already seen it two or three moves earlier, because he's constantly checking his shoulders and painting pictures before he receives the ball.

"He's two or three seconds ahead of the game, and then when he gets the ball, his first touch is immaculate. It's one thing being able to see the pass, but another to execute it."

Fletcher also identified Fernandes' confidence when playing a risky through-ball.

“He always tries that [killer] pass, and it doesn't matter how many times he loses the ball," added Fletcher.

“He never loses faith in himself, and never loses his belief in what he thinks are the right things to win the game. He takes that burden on his shoulders like a proper United player should do.

“Look at his reaction to losing the ball. Fans don't mind players losing the ball, it's how they react. He goes with aggression and purpose to make up for his error.

"He doesn't just run around the pitch crazily, he does it in the context of what's right for the team. He recognises when it's the right time to do it for the team."

Fernandes is also renowned for his work ethic and commitment to helping out on the defensive side to the game for United.

“Oh, and the distances that he covers are massive," added the Scot.

“That's to do with his work rate off the ball, but it's also how much he moves to get on the ball. He always gets into space and does the opposite movement to get away from defenders.

"The amount of running Bruno does between the lines in that No.10 position to actually get the ball makes his distances soar through the roof. He also plays week in, week out. He's a proper player – a top, top-class player."