Henry Winter has explained why Bruno Fernandes isn't a Manchester United great and would struggle to make any of Sir Alex Ferguson's starting XI in previous European triumphs.
Fernandes is set to captain the Red Devils for the first time in a European final when they face Tottenham Hotspur in San Mames, Bilbao, on Wednesday, May 21. The Portuguese midfielder has been excellent for Ruben Amorim in the club's worst season, taking on playmaking responsibilities to keep his side on course for UEFA Europa League glory.
The 30-year-old is a polarising character who is often the subject of much debate, including his leadership qualities. But even rival fans have acknowledged his world-class ability this season in his fifth year at Old Trafford, but Winter doesn't think he'd be a starter in United's glory days.
Winter: Fernandes Wouldn't Be A Starter In Ferguson's Man Utd
"Good but not a United great"
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Fernandes joined United in the post-Ferguson era, which has seen the club experience a shocking fall from grace. He has been a shining light, but Winter pointed out that this only highlights the club's current predicament.
Winter wrote on his official website:
"A rare beacon in a dark season for United, simply to address recency bias and remind people (as if they needed) of how United have fallen if comfortably their best player is deemed good enough to have graced other epochs."
Winter was surprised by the number of journalists voting for Fernandes as their Footballer of the Year. The English journalist then debated whether Ferguson, who took United to 13 Premier League titles, would have turned to the Portuguese playmaker in three star-studded teams.
"Good player, commendable character, has stopped huffing and flapping his arms at refs, but he would not dislodge those box-to-box warriors Roy Keane or Paul Ince, both good technical players, from Ferguson’s 94 side. Or, playing as a 10, challenged Eric Cantona when he dropped in there behind Mark Hughes."
United's biggest success came in 1999 when Ferguson led his team to an unprecedented treble. The Scot was spoilt for choice on the attacking and midfield front and Winter doesn't think Fernandes would displace Nicky Butt in a midfield pairing with Roy Keane and "the better passer" Paul Scholes.
Fernandes can skipper the Red Devils to their second European trophy since winning the Champions League in 2008. Winter reckons Michael Carrick would keep the former Sporting CP man out of the team that claimed the richest prize in European football:
"Fernandes wouldn’t get in ahead of Michael Carrick. I plead bias here, having spent a year with Carrick helping him with his memoirs. That simply served to remind me of the scale of his achievements at United, both in the Premier League (five times) and in the Champions League (three finals, one trophy in 2008)."
Fernandes sits fourth in United's all-time assist ranks with 86, behind only David Beckham (121), Wayne Rooney (141) and Ryan Giggs (268). He has won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup at Old Trafford and could claim the Europa League in his 289th appearance.
Ferguson Hailed "Fantastic" Fernandes
The Scot was impressed with his arrival at Man Utd
Fernandes and Ferguson
Fernandes made a scintillating start to life at United after joining the club from Sporting CP in January 2020 for £47m. He bagged eight goals and seven assists in 14 games at the start of his Old Trafford career.
The Maia-born midfielder became the club's first player since Cristiano Ronaldo to win two Premier League Player of the Month awards in a row. It was a remarkable start that caught everybody's attention, with rival fans trying to blame his goalscoring feats on becoming the designated penalty taker.
Fernandes also earned praise from Ferguson who gave his thoughts on his first full season at the club in May 2021. He told BBC Radio Manchester (via United's website):
"Well, he’s been fantastic the lad... He’s scored important goals and even when he’s taking his penalty kicks he’s very, very confident about them and I can’t even think if a goalkeeper’s got anywhere near his penalty kicks."
Ferguson further explained what he brought to the table that had been "missing" at Old Trafford:
"So he’s calm, his shots from outside the box are always a threat and he’s got the thing that United have really needed in the last few years with his ability to make a pass in the final third."
Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United Career
Appearances:
Goals:
Assists:
Yellow Cards:
Red Cards:
Trophies Won:
There has been speculation over Fernandes' future amid links to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. But United reportedly "want to build around him" despite being in his thirties, which speaks volumes of his influence at Old Trafford.
All statistics courtesy ofTransfermarkt- correct as of 21.05.2025.
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