Rio Ferdinand defends Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes' leadership - 'He steps up time and time again'
Updated 24/01/2025 at 00:58 GMT
Bruno Fernandes struck late on to steal all three points for Manchester United against Rangers in the UEFA Europa League, and former Red Devils skipper Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the current captain for coming to the club's aid "time and time again". Speaking to TNT Sports, Ferdinand said: "In terms of delivering moments, creating chances and scoring goals. This guy delivers."
Highlights: Fernandes late winner breaks Rangers hearts after frantic finish
Video credit: TNT Sports
Rio Ferdinand has jumped to the defence of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes' leadership qualities after another crucial contribution.
The 30-year-old snatched the winner in an important 2-1 UEFA Europa League victory over Rangers at Old Trafford on Thursday.
After a Jack Butland error gifted United the lead, Cyriel Dessers hit back for the Scots late on as it looked like they had sealed a hard-earned draw at Old Trafford.
But like he so often does, according to Ferdinand, Fernandes popped up with a neat volley in added time to ensure Man Utd collected all three points.
"I’ve heard many people questioning Bruno Fernandes, about his leadership and captaincy at this football club since he’s been here," Ferdinand explained on TNT Sports.
"In terms of delivering moments, creating chances and scoring goals. This guy delivers, he steps up time and time again."
The win was only United's second in normal time in their last nine matches across all competitions and propelled them into the top four of the inaugural Europa League group phase with one match to play.
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'By hook or by crook' - Man Utd needed result, not performance, says Ferdinand
Video credit: TNT Sports
'I don't think there's anyone else I'd want the ball to fall to'
The United faithful would not like to think about where they would be without captain Fernandes, who has contributed towards 12 goals in what has been a severely underwhelming campaign for The Red Devils so far.
One of those is former club captain Ferdinand, who admitted that the Portugal star – who has 88 goals in 265 games for United – was the only player he would want the ball to fall to.
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"Once the ball got into that position, and it was going on to Bruno's feet, I don't think there was anybody else in this stadium that I'd want the ball to fall to, in that moment there," Ferdinand said after the match.
"The conviction, the class, the quality and belief he has in those situations is as much as you're going to see in the game.
"I was pleased to see it go in the back of the net. It wasn't about the performance today, it was about getting a result after the result we saw at the weekend [a 3-1 loss against Brighton]."
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