Bruno Fernandes' continued attacking output has been hailed by Rio Ferdinand, with the former Manchester United defender highlighting how only Lionel Messi has had more goal involvements since the Portugal star joined the Red Devils.
Fernandes was influential in Man United's 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with Antony and Diogo Dalot scoring in the win.
Despite not scoring or registering an assist against Forest, Fernandes earned praise for his vision and the quality of passing.
Ferdinand, speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube show, noted that statistics place Fernandes only behind Messi for goal contributions since he signed for Man United in January 2020.
The return of Christian Eriksen to full fitness, Ferdinand believes, will help Fernandes to go up another level in the final weeks of the season.
'His passing, he's creating chances,’ Ferdinand said. ‘His stats, only Messi rivals him in terms of goal involvements since he signed for United.
'I'm not saying he is on Messi's level, no one is saying that Bruno is on Messi's level, he's not, that’s obvious.
'But only Messi is above him in those stats.
'He needs [Christian] Eriksen to go to that other level. Eriksen the amount of easy passes he makes that are just great for team-mates.'
According to Opta, Fernandes is one of just two players in Europe's top five leagues to reach a half-century for both goals and assists for their club since his arrival at Old Trafford.
Fernandes has scored 60 goals and provided 52 assists in his 175 matches for the club.
Messi remains out in front by finding the net 81 times and laying on 59 goals for team-mates in the same period.
Injuries and suspensions have led to Fernandes operating in a deeper role in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old returned to his favoured No.10 position against Forest, after Eriksen came in as a late replacement when Sabitzer suffered an injury in the warm-up.
Eriksen made his first start since sustaining an ankle injury in January, with the Dane joining Casemiro in the centre of midfield after the Brazilian returned from suspension.
Victory over Nottingham Forest saw the Red Devils edge closer to securing a return to the Champions League next season.
Man United hold a six-point lead over fifth placed Tottenham in the race for a top four finish, with Ten Hag's side also having a game in hand.
marcuskay07
665
Is De Bryne a hockey player to this fool
eggosa91
460
Kelvin de BRUNYE is clear of Messi and Bruno this Season !!
ephraimpara85
277
Since 2020 till now Goals and Assists for Messi, De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes... ●KDB's played 《171》 games, has 《36》 goals and 《64》 assists = 《☆100》 goal contributions.● ●Bruno Fernandes played 《175》 games, has 《60》 goals and 《52》 assists = 《☆112》 goal contributions. ●Messi played 《157》 games, has 《98》goals and 《69》assists = 《167》goal contributions..
Elijah007
166
this ferdinand is talking trash. I'm a fan of chelsea but this man here👇 is the goat 🐐
DavidMessi1
151
The headline should have been “Only Messi is above De bruyne’ creative levels
Lutailnrz
9
Is De Bryne a hockey player to this fool
Many of us lack of reading and understanding Very simple statistics only Messi has more goals and assists than Bruno since he joined Man United very simple But I wonder how you guys understand the statement in wrong way he’s not compare him to Messi but stats can not forget what you do either you’re a small player or big player I was surprised when many people saying he’s no where near De Bruyne Bernardo silver Go and bring De Bruyne and Bernardo since 2020 goals and assists if they’re ahead of Bruno 🤷♂️ Very simple to understand English 😏
Clevis
9
Is De Bryne a hockey player to this fool
always read to understand he said in terms of goal contributions Only Messi is above him since he joined man united and if you don't agree do the math kid
Sivarockz
8
joker
Antony is clear of that camel league joker[Crylaugh]
Silvaboi
8
Kelvin de BRUNYE is clear of Messi and Bruno this Season !!
[image]
😂😂😂 what a joke man