Fernandes bases his game on player Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign for Man Utd

Manchester United transfer target Bruno Fernandes bases his game on Rui Costa - a player Sir Alex Ferguson was keen on signing when he was Red Devils boss.

Fernandes has emerged as one of Manchester United's top targets this summer but the Red Devils are still someway off reaching an agreement with Sporting Lisbon for the Portugal international.

The midfielder has previously addressed his future in the media, but back in 2017 he opened up on the type of player he is and name-dropped his idol.

Speaking to Marca, Fernandes said: "[Rui Costa] was a player I idolised; a reference for me.

"He had an incredible career and he only needed to win something with Portugal, but I think I need [to achieve] a lot to be like him, [the comparison] isn't fair."

On being compared to Adrien Silva, he added: "They are similar players, who can play ahead of the defensive midfielder. He moves back and forth, attacks and defends and he is aggressive.

"Many people, however, don't know him because he left Portugal soon."

Sir Alex Ferguson signed a number of players during his time in charge of Manchester United, and was linked to even more.

And one man who was strongly linked to Manchester United back in 2007 was none other than Fernandes's hero, Costa.

Reports in Portugal at the time went as far as to say that a two-year deal had been agreed between the midfielder and United.

But AC Milan were quick to rubbish the claims.

"It's nonsense," then sporting director Ariedo Braida told Maisfutebol Radio. "Rui Costa is staying at Milan and he is non-transferable.

"It is impossible that Rui Costa will leave. He is certainly staying with Milan."