'If he was at Arsenal he’d have a statue!' - Ferdinand urges Man Utd to make Fernandes captain

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 May 2023 19:54 BST
• 3 min read

Rio Ferdinand decided to take a savage swipe at Arsenal while making his thoughts on Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes clear.

Fernandes has been one of Manchester United's most important signings in recent memory, and he has become particularly important under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman has turned the Red Devils into a team to be reckoned with again, with Fernandes taking on added responsibility as stand-in captain in the absence of Harry Maguire, who has not been favoured by Ten Hag.

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The 28-year-old Portuguese has contributed 11 goals and 14 assists in 52 games across all competitions this season, underlining his importance to United. Club legend Rio Ferdinand was quick to point out Fernandes' impact since his arrival following the Red Devils' victory over Aston Villa - and he took a savage dig at Arsenal in the process.

What did Ferdinand say?

Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, the player-turned-pundit said: "We deserved to win the game. Did you see Bruno’s numbers? Wow. The guy…it’s remarkable what he is doing."

"If he was at Arsenal," the 44-year-old continued, "he’d probably have a statue now at the Emirates with the numbers he has done!"

Ferdinand also urged Erik ten Hag to make Fernandes the club captain: "Does Bruno take the captaincy next year? 100 per cent, I think he does. Since Bruno signed, he has been the most impactful player we have had."

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"He’s wearing the armband while Maguire doesn’t play. I think it is natural progression for him to be captain next season."

After his earlier swipe at the Gunners, Ferdinand also took aim at former Arsenal coach Unai Emery, now at Villa: "We stopped their 10-game unbeaten run. Unai Emery was producing miracles, and who steps up to stop him? Bruno. Sit back down, Unai. Have a reality check and know your place."