Former Portuguese goalkeeper Jose Veiga has lauded Bruno Fernandes amongst the 'elite' of his country's great footballers.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a stunning debut year with Manchester United after joining the club from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.

Fernandes worked hard to get to this point in his career, having got his start with Italian minnows Novara in 2012.

Spells at Udinese and Sampdoria followed before a return to his homeland with Sporting.

His impact at Old Trafford has been nothing short of remarkable, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's struggling without his presence.

And when asked where Fernandes ranks among Portugal's former greats in Deco and Rui Costa, Levante legend Veiga told Tribalfootball.com: "He's definitely in the elite of great Portuguese players.

"And [I'm] pleased Manchester United have improved since his arrival."

Fernandes' compatriot at United, Joel Pereira, is enduring a tougher time in Manchester.

The 24-year-old has made just one league appearance for Huddersfield Town since moving to Yorkshire on loan last summer.

It is Pereira's sixth loan spell, and Veiga admits he could benefit from leaving the Red Devils.

"He will have to," Veiga added. "At this time he has De Gea and Henderson ahead of him. He will have to do the same or better than Henderson last year at Sheffield United to be seriously considered. Hopefully, he will be."