Rio Ferdinand believes that Ryan Giggs perfectly summed up the reason why there is one current Manchester United player that he would have loved to play alongside.
The 47-year-old Manchester United legend made an appearance on the latest episode of the Premier League club’s official podcast alongside Phil Jones.
Is Rio Ferdinand Man Utd’s best defender of all time? 🐐🤔
If it is NOT Rio Ferdinand, then who is it? 🛡️🥷
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Widely considered one of the best Premier League defenders of all time, Rio Ferdinand had a prolific playing spell at Old Trafford during his illustrious career.
The former United defender spent the majority of his time at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign and Ferdinand hoovered up the major silverware at the Red Devils.
Ferdinand lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two League Cups before Sir Alex Ferguson finally retired as United manager in 2013.
READ MORE: Amad says he noticed something ‘straight away’ about ‘everyone’ at Man Utd after 4-4 Bournemouth draw
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand attends the VIP welcome reception ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup official draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2025 in Washington, DC.
Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand recalls Ryan Giggs’ Man Utd ‘statement’ and thinks it applies directly to a player like Bruno Fernandes
During his time on the Inside Carrington podcast, Rio Ferdinand was asked which Manchester United first-team player he would have wanted to play alongside.
More United News
The former TNT Sports pundit singled out Bruno Fernandes, who is widely considered United’s best signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at the club.
Bruno Fernandes has had a sensational impact at Old Trafford since his 2020 transfer and the 31-year-old United captain is still a key player at the club.
Bruno Fernandes says he felt United were happy for him to leave in the summer!
Should United have accepted a £100m offer from the Saudi Pro League? What do you think of his comments?
Bruno Fernandes quote graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Ferdinand believes that the Portugal international perfectly sums up Ryan Giggs’ three all-important features that are necessary for a United player at the club.
“A player I think could have played in our team would be Bruno,” he said.
“I said when I was talking to him earlier, Giggsy made a really good statement, he said there’s three things you need to be a United player.
“You need to run, take risks and have imagination, that’s Bruno; if you were describing Bruno, that’s him.”
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher’s ‘big problem’ at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim could alter in 2026 with three-player dynamic
Rio Ferdinand’s ultimate compliment on Man Utd and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has lifted both the FA Cup and League Cup with United and the Red Devils skipper ascended to the captaincy under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
The United midfielder was linked with an exit from the club back in the summer, but Fernandes turned down interest from Al Hilal and remained at the Red Devils.
HOW many assists will Bruno Fernandes end up getting this season?🪄
Can Fernandes break his personal record in the Premier League for Manchester United of 12?
Premier League top scorers graphic from SofaScore.
Premier League top scorers graphic from Sofascore.
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Fernandes’ influence has slightly waned in the current campaign after Ruben Amorim has been playing the Portugal international in a deeper midfield role in his set-up.
However, the Portuguese midfielder remains an integral part of the United cog in the 2025-26 season and Ferdinand was full of praise for Fernandes’ impact at the club.
“His numbers are ridiculous. Nobody has created more chances than him since he’s been in the Premier League,” Fernandes added.
“He has the quality and he has the mindset to be in our team.”
Fernandes, who is under contract with United until 2027, has netted five times and registered seven assists in 17 matches across all competitions this season.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox