Bruno Fernandes says he joined Manchester United in part because of Cristiano Ronaldo’s exploits at the club.

Ronaldo, who is widely acknowledged as Portugal’s greatest-ever player, won three Premier League titles and a Champions League at Old Trafford.

And Fernandes, who moved to Manchester from Sporting CP in January, has admitted that it was a ‘childhood dream’ of his to one day play for the Red Devils.

‘I’m a Cristiano Ronaldo fan and he’s a player I’ve always followed,’ he told Sky Sports.

‘When Cristiano burst on to the scene here in Manchester, he spent a good chunk of his early career here and enjoyed so much success.

‘That’s why it was a dream of mine to play for Manchester United and I’m very pleased to be here because it’s a childhood dream come true.

‘I think any player who joins Manchester United wants to win everything; I want to win every competition that Manchester United compete in.

‘I’m an ambitious player who wants success and I want to win every game in every competition we’re in.

‘I didn’t speak to [Ronaldo] before coming but did after my arrival.

‘I know some people asked Cristiano what he thought of me and what I was like as a player and a person.

‘I know he spoke highly of me and gave me a good reference, so I sent him a message after to thank him for his kind words.

‘Pressure always has to be present in our day-to-day and we have to be under pressure to improve every day.

‘I’m a person who demands a lot from myself and always want more and to do better. That’s why, regardless of the transfer fee, I wanted to keep improving and be a better player.’

United, who are currently three points adrift of the top four, host Watford in the Premier League on Sunday.