The Citizens boss spoke about the new Red Devils star, who has been a revelation at Old Trafford
Pep Guardiola insisted Bruno Fernandes was not a target for Manchester City before the Portuguese midfielder joined Premier League rivals Manchester United.
Fernandes swapped Sporting CP for United in a £47million deal during the January transfer window and he has transformed the Red Devils.
The 25-year-old Portugal international has already scored three goals across all competitions – two of those in the Premier League while supplying as many assists.
Amid Fernandes’ stunning start to life in Manchester, City manager Guardiola said his team were never interested in the former Sporting captain.
“I said many times it looks like we are linked with a thousand million players every month,” Guardiola told reports ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford. “I don’t know if the agents want to create something to do that.
“But I think the club was not in talks with his agent about this player, but they link this guy and a thousand million more.”
Guardiola added: “I don’t know what it means ‘my type of player’. I like defenders too and good headers.
“I don’t believe too much that these players are perfect for this team and manager. But I think he is an exceptional player and that is why Man United bought him.”
Former Red Devils star Nani has revealed he told Fernandes to join Manchester United and not City.
After Nani heard that Fernandes was on the move away from Sporting, he sought out Fernandes to give him advice on his future.
“As soon as I saw the news, the possibilities, I told him, ‘Don’t choose Manchester City, don’t choose any other team. You choose Man Utd!’”, Nani said in an exclusive interview with Goal .
“After a couple of months, he moved to Manchester United and I was so, so happy because that advice and his choice were matching.
“It was beautiful because the moment I saw him play there, being the best player, scoring goals. It’s nice when it works like that.”
City travel to Old Trafford in second position, 15 points clear of fifth-placed United – who are in the midst of a nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.
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