Top clubs were “put off” trying to sign Bruno Fernandes because they “didn’t know about his previous”.

That’s the opinion of former Liverpool star Steve Nicol, who has pointed out that a number of sides were linked with the Portugal international, but none were prepared to go the extra mile to sign him.

Manchester United were among the clubs linked with the midfielder in the summer but opted instead to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City.

The Red Devils returned for Fernandes in January, and the former Sporting Lisbon star has been something of a revelation at Old Trafford in lifting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Nicol has referred to the Portuguese as a “revelation” but says fans shouldn’t get too carried away.

“There’s always that temptation [of getting carried away too soon], particularly when it’s so obvious the difference he’s made and so obvious that he was joining a team that needed something,” Nicol said on ESPN FC.

“So far he’s been the inspiration.

“I always wondered why, for the last couple of years he’s always been mentioned by the top sides but it seems no one has ever gone that extra mile and signed him.

“And I guess what Gab’s saying there, I didn’t know about his previous to be honest, and I’d have to think that’s what put clubs off.

“But Manchester United are actually going to benefit because clearly the guy has figured it out.

“And when you’ve been through a tough situation and you turn all that around, and you start doing the things he’s doing in the Premier League, then that to me I don’t believe is going to be a flash in the pan.

“I think he’s here to stay.”