Ryan Giggs has described Bruno Fernandes as a “fantastic player” and expressed his belief that the midfielder “can get even better” as his Manchester United profession progresses.

United were able to add a noticeably sought-after Genius to their ranks in the winter transfer window, reportedly beating the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City to Fernandes’ signature.

A few eyebrows were raised over the €55 million (£48m/$61m) charge due to the Portugal international’s lack of experience at the highest level, however he has settled into his new environment at Old Trafford quicker than all of us ought to have predicted.

Fernandes carved out a fearsome reputation for himself at Sporting as a pass master with a knack for getting into the box and scoring goals, which he has built on during his first month in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has contributed three goals and three assists to United’s cause in six appearances, and grabbed his first intention from open play at some stage in a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The Red Devils have won three of their remaining five games with Fernandes pulling the strings in the center of the park, and Giggs has credited the mercurial playmaker for lifting the mood at the club after a turbulent first half of the season.

“He’s a superb player,” the former United winger told Sky Sports News. “He’s lifted the place, he has lifted everybody around him and it’s nevertheless early days.

“I still think he can get even better.

“He’s hit the ground running which is what you want, especially [after] signing in the January switch window [because] it does not constantly happen.

“But he is awesome and I’m pleased to see him doing so well.”

Fernandes ought to retain a spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting line-up when United journey to Pride Park to face Derby in a fifth-round FA Cup tie on Thursday.

The Red Devils have a critical derby meeting with Manchester City to look forward to at Old Trafford three days later, before focus shifts to the Europa League.

Solskjaer’s side will face off in opposition to Austrian outfit LASK in a round-of-16 encounter on March 12, with the first leg set to take place at the Raiffeisen Arena.