Bruno Fernandes is no Manchester United great, claims Premier League legend | Football

Where does Bruno Fernandes stand among the array of top players who have starred for Manchester United over the years? Alan Shearer does not place him among the greats.

The Portuguese midfielder has been an integral part of the Red Devils team since he arrived from Sporting in January 2020.

He has racked up 324 appearances in all competitions and scored 106 goals, while he is fast climbing the all-time assists chart in the Premier League.

The 31-year-old has laid on 70 goals in the top flight, 18th in Premier League history and with big names ahead of him and in his sights.

Only Ryan Giggs (270), Wayne Rooney (142) and David Beckham (121) have provided more assists for the Red Devils in all competitions than Fernandes (102).

What is holding Fernandes back in the eyes of Shearer is the period in Manchester United’s history in which he is playing.

It has not been a vintage Red Devils team at any stage of his career in England and even though he has been the star performer, it has not been enough to pull in trophies on a regular basis.

His only silverware since moving to Old Trafford is an FA Cup and one League Cup.

‘There’s no doubt Man United wouldn’t be where they are if it wasn’t for Bruno Fernandes and I think he’s stood out in a poor team,’ Shearer told Betfair.

‘They’ve had a tough time of late over the previous years, but I think what would define him is the trophies he has or hasn’t won with them.’

The all-time record Premier League goal-scorer continued: ‘When you see Man United greats, when you’re comparing him to the likes of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and David Beckham, these guys who have won the treble and won trophies before that.

‘I’d be reluctant to talk about him being one of the Man United greats, but that’s through no fault of his own.

‘I think he’s massively stood out this year and is up for the Player of the Year award.’

Fernandes has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to be the Premier League’s PFA Player of the Year this season, ahead of Declan Rice, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.

He has scored eight goals and provided 19 assists, really flourishing since Michael Carrick took over as manager in January, as the whole team has.

The interim boss coached Fernandes when he worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and knew what to expect from him when he took the top job.

‘I’ve known Bruno a long time and worked with him when he was here, when he came to the club, so it hasn’t surprised me,’ said the former England midfielder.

‘I knew exactly what he could bring. I think over time you kind of evolve and experience helps and you can certainly see that he’s grown as well in a real positive way.

‘He’s just a big influence, he’s had a big impact and he’s playing ever so well at the moment, so we’re delighted with that.’

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