'How dare they talk like that about Fernandes,' says Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is left shocked by the criticism of Bruno Fernandes as he says ‘how dare these people talk like that’… and lauds Man United star as one of the ‘most creative players’ in the league

Rio Ferdinand has lumped praise on Man United captain Bruno Fernandes
He claimed Fernandes is the ‘most creative player in the Premier League
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Rio Ferdinand has lauded Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as the ‘most creative player in the Premier League’.

He also claimed that the Portuguese midfielder was going to stand out more because he ‘takes risks’.

Fernandes has been an important cog in the heart of Untied’s midfield so far during the opening few matches of the 2023-24 Premier League season.

But he has faced some criticism despite being involved in two of the Red Devil’s goals during their 3-2 come-back victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.

After going 2-0 down in the first five minutes of the game, Christian Eriksen pulled one back for United before Fernandes headed down a lofted ball into the path of Casemiro who equalised for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Rio Ferdinand has lauded Bruno Fernandes (pictured) claiming that he will ‘stand out more than other players because he takes risks’

Ferdinand (pictured) also lauded the midfielder as ‘one of the most creative players in the Premier League

Fernandes (left) returned a goal and an assist during Man United’s 3-2 come back win against Nottingham Forest

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United would be awarded a penalty later on in the game, with the 28-year-old stepping up to score his 65th goal for Man United and his first of the new season.

Micah Richards was one of his more recent critics, claiming Fernandes’ on field antics have been detrimental to his side while also branded him as ‘pathetic’.

Speaking on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, the ex-Man United defender rubbished those criticisms, claiming that he couldn’t believe the examination Fernandes had received.

‘I swear to you the flack he has been getting this last week,’ Ferdinand added.

‘I’ve been sitting there with my mouth wide open, thinking “how dare these people talk like that”. He’s been the most creative player in the league this last season.

‘He’s the most creative player at this point in the season so far. He’s the first player to get ten goal opportunities created for his team-mates out of any body.

‘Since he’s come to the club he’s out performed every other player in terms of goals created chances made and assists.’

After joining the club in 2020, Fernandes has gone on to return 65 goals and 55 assists across 188 games in all competitions.

Last year he provided eight goals and eight assists in all competitions and played in all but one of Man United’s Premier League matches.

While he was recently made captain, the midfielder has also copped some criticism this year, with Micah Richards claiming his on field antics have been detrimental to his side.

Ferdinand instead lumped praise on the United captain claiming that the midfielder stands out more than others in the league because of his character.

‘Players like Bruno Fernandes are going to stand out more than any other player on the pitch for one reason – they take risks,’ he said.

‘When he takes a risk and it goes well they’re going to stand out more than everyone else.

‘But when it doesn’t go well that’s why there’s a big “hurrah” about it because he’s the one with the big b*lls the big cojones to go out there… Do you know how scared some players are to take risks? Do you know what character that takes?’

Joel Beya, who also appeared in the episode, asked him: ‘Do you have any examples of that? Any players that you’ve seen the opposite of?’

He has been an integral component to Erik ten Hag’s midfield but has copped some criticism this season

Ferdinand, meanwhile, said that he couldn’t believe the comments being made about Fernandes

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‘I just think all big players, because there’s some players that don’t play elaborate balls. I’m trying to think of some players that were risk takers…’ Ferdinand responded.’

Beya: ‘Did you ever see Scholsey [Paul Scholes] hide for a little period?’

‘Nah, never. I’ve never seen Scholesy hide,’ the ex-Man United defender replied.

‘That’s such a big trait that you cannot gauge on graphs and tables. For instance there’s moments when for the last week Bruno has been drilled, goes out and takes risks and takes chances and is the most creative player in the team on the weekend – that’s character that’s what you need.’

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