Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick and provided an assist as Manchester United secured a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Manchester United captain led his side to their first Premier League victory of the season, helping manager Michael Carrick bounce back from a shocking opening day defeat to Hull City.
The stellar performance came during a landmark week for the Portuguese international, who was crowned the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year.
Fernandes was voted for by his fellow professionals after breaking the Premier League single-season assist record, becoming the first Manchester United player to claim the prestigious award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
Following the match, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville lauded Fernandes on the Gary Neville podcast, declaring him the club's finest transfer business since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Gary Neville Praise for Bruno Fernandes
Neville insisted that the PFA Player of the Year award was an undeniable recognition of quality, noting how difficult it is to earn the votes of opposing players.
Speaking on his podcast, Neville said: "I don't think that is an award you can ever question, as it is bloody hard to get your opponents to vote for you."
The former defender emphasized Fernandes' consistent impact since joining the club, reiterating points he had raised during match commentary.
Neville said: "It was a strong finish to the season for Manchester United, but as I said on the commentary, he is the best signing post Sir Alex Ferguson by an absolute mile."
Neville praised the midfielder's leadership and work rate on the pitch.
Neville said: "He has got the guts, the courage, the belief to play for Manchester United, the numbers he has delivered with assists and goals."
Neville added: "His eagerness, willingness and want to try and impact the game positively and play the killer pass, the score a goal and do the most difficult things, he is an outstanding player."
Background on Manchester United Leaders
Sir Alex Ferguson managed Manchester United for 26 years before stepping down in 2013, winning 13 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies in an unparalleled era of success. In the years following his departure, the club has navigated multiple managerial transitions while striving to rebuild a title-contending squad.
Neville, who made more than 600 appearances for Manchester United during Ferguson's tenure and won eight Premier League titles, highlighted the indispensable role Fernandes plays in Carrick's attacking line.
Neville said: "Without him Manchester United would have a real problem but they have got him, and they have got an excellent group of forwards who will score a lot of goals and create a lot of damage. They have got a lot of directness in there and you wouldn't want to play against those players."
During Sunday's five-goal display, Fernandes set up forward Bryan Mbeumo as Manchester United showcased their offensive potency against newly promoted Ipswich Town.
Defensive Concerns and Transfer Deadline
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Neville raised serious concerns about Manchester United's back line, pointing out that the team has already conceded four goals in two matches against newly promoted opposition.
Newly promoted Ipswich Town created several scoring opportunities at Old Trafford beyond the two goals they converted, mirroring defensive frailties seen in United's opening defeat to Hull City.
Neville noted that Manchester United's defensive structure remains unchanged from recent campaigns, having conceded 50 goals in the Premier League last season.
Neville said: "You can see already that Man United's back four can be got at, we knew that as it is the same defence as last season and the season before, and they conceded 50 last season."
Neville added: "It is not going to change unless they either play better or the midfield two protects them more. That has to happen or else they will concede a lot of goals, they have conceded four in two [games] already, that would be the concern."
Looking ahead, Neville urged Michael Carrick to bolster the squad before the summer transfer window closes.
Neville said: "If Michael Carrick could get a defender or two in over the next 48 hours, I think it is really important. It would really make a massive difference if they could get a centre back and a full back in."
With less than 48 hours remaining before the transfer deadline, Manchester United face a crucial window to reinforce their defence as Carrick prepares for the rest of the Premier League campaign.
