Bruno Fernandes has revealed how tough love from his father helped prepared him for Manchester United.

The Portugal international showed no signs of struggling with the physicality of the Premier League following a January move from Sporting Lisbon, becoming an immediate hit at Old Trafford.

"My father plays and my brother plays, so I think I followed in their footsteps," he said in a Q&A on the club's website.

"They played every Sunday on the pitch close to my home. When I became 13 or 14 years old, I started to play with them and sometimes my dad kicked me a little bit, just to prepare me for the Premier League!"

Talking about the atmosphere at Old Trafford, Fernandes continued: "It is difficult to say one thing because at Manchester United, going out at Old Trafford, everybody knows about the stadium and the atmosphere.

"But when you have the kit of Manchester United, all red, with your black shorts, and you feel the atmosphere of the stadium, and you feel everything, you feel the support of your fans, it is something special.

"For me, for example, when I came from Sporting, I arrived and I was in Manchester for two days. I played against Wolves and they already had a song for me!

"I had just arrived and the supporters already gave me the support I need to be confident and be at home. I think this is the most important thing, that atmosphere and love you feel from your supporters."