"Wonderful": Rio Ferdinand blown away by £39m Man Utd star after 2-1 win vs Crystal Palace
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Bruno Fernandes following the club’s 2-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Red Devils had a slow start against the Eagles at Selhurst Park. The hosts were deservedly 1-0 ahead at the break. However, United stepped up their performance after the interval.
Joshua Zirkzee surprisingly scored from a tight angle to level the scores. Mason Mount netted United’s second goal from long range after a clever bit of improvisation from Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes provided the assist for the opening goal too. Speaking on his Podcast, Ferdinand said that Fernandes is in legendary territory, having jumped above Paul Scholes on the assist list for United.
The former United star added that it is crazy that some people wanted him to leave last summer. Ferdinand believes Fernandes is a ‘wonderful’ footballer and the club can’t replace him that easily.
Ferdinand said: “He’s in like legendary territory. It’s crazy, but I have seen some people talk about him and go. Oh, they would be better off without him.
“And I am like, are you crazy? He is playing in a holding midfield role and still creating more than anyone on the pitch. I mean, still up there in the league in terms of chances created.
“You don’t know football, you can’t know football. Who have we got coming in to replace Bruno? Who’s going to take over that mantle?
“The 60-70 chances a season now? Who’s going to score 15 goals and create like 15 assists? He’s a wonderful footballer. No one can replace him.”
Fernandes has exclusively played in the number eight position for the Red Devils this campaign. Despite this, he has created 35 chances in the league, five more than second-placed Jeremy Doku.
The 31-year-old has five assists in the division this term, which is the highest. He has also worked hard out of possession with six recoveries, two tackles and two clearances per league appearance.
Fernandes does tend to lose possession in the centre of the park. He needs to be better in that aspect, but he does make up for it with his creativity from the heart of the midfield.
The Portuguese, valued at £39 million by Transfermarkt, is an undisputed starter. It is quite clear that United will struggle to find a proper replacement for the playmaker if he were to leave.
Fernandes has a contract until June 2027 with an option for another 12 months. The United hierarchy should seek to commit him to a new long-term deal to see out his career at the club.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .