"He's carrying the club through tough times" - Premier League legend urges Bruno Fernandes to leave Man Utd for a trophy-winning team, claiming he only receives criticism.
Joe Cole has encouraged Bruno Fernandes to leave Manchester United for a club capable of winning trophies, arguing that he receives nothing but criticism.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 29-year-old midfielder played a key role in Manchester United’s recent 3-0 win over Leicester City, contributing a goal and two assists. His latest assist saw him become only the sixth player in the club’s history to reach 50 assists in the Premier League, placing him alongside legends like Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Eric Cantona.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Since joining Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2020, Fernandes has been one of the Premier League’s most reliable performers. Over 276 appearances in all competitions, he has netted 94 goals and provided 79 assists. Despite his impressive individual contributions, United’s struggles to compete for major trophies have prompted Joe Cole to suggest that the Portuguese star should rethink his future at Old Trafford.
WHAT COLE SAID
In an interview with Paddy Power, Cole stated: “If I were Bruno Fernandes, I’d definitely be considering a move away from Manchester United. He’s the one carrying the team, yet he’s taking all the criticism. He must go home at night wondering why he’s being singled out when he’s the only one putting in the effort.”
“There are others doing okay but he is literally dragging that club through this dire moment. When all is said and done and Bruno leaves United and maybe they return to the top, they’ll look back at this era and the only shining light will be Bruno Fernandes.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Cole further argued that despite Fernandes’ relentless efforts, the criticism directed at him is unfair.
“He’s a fantastic footballer and you could put him into most teams, and he’d thrive, but I don’t think he’s won a league in his career and he needs to go and prove to himself that he can play in a top side because he’s run his race at Manchester United,” he said.
“He should leave that club with everyone; the owners, fans and the manager giving him his flowers because he gets all the stick. And that’s part and parcel of being a Manchester United footballer but how must he feel when he’s getting all the pelters despite being the one with the goals, assists and driving the team forwards. He’s a fabulous player and if I was him, I’d be looking to go and play in a team capable of winning trophies.”
WHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?
As Manchester United’s captain, Fernandes has guided the team through challenging periods, demonstrating both leadership and dedication. He was instrumental in their FA Cup triumph last season, adding a second trophy to his collection after winning the Carabao Cup in 2023.
However, under Ruben Amorim’s management, United has struggled this season, making silverware increasingly unlikely. Their best hope for a trophy lies in the Europa League, but with tough competition, even that remains uncertain.
