Rio Ferdinand insists the best strikers in the world would love to play alongside Bruno Fernandes

Rio Ferdinand has marvelled over the quality of Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes and believes world class strikers will be clamouring to play alongside the Portuguese playmaker.

Fernandes topped the charts for the most chances created in the Premier League this season on 119 to move clear of Manchester City‘s Kevin de Bruyne (98) and Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier (110).

The United star also leads the way for most big chances created in the English top-flight on 32, but has only managed eight assists due to Erik ten Hag‘s side struggling to convert goalscoring opportunities.

Ferdinand hailed the ‘tremendous’ impact that the 28-year-old has had since moving to the club in January 2020 during which time he has emerged as one of Europe’s best midfielders. 

‘I think he [Fernandes] has been tremendous. Some criticism has been aimed at him for his body language and whatnot over the course of this season especially, but he has responded and I think he cares,’ Ferdinand told his Vibe with Five YouTube channel.  

Fernandes (left) has starred at United since moving to Old Trafford over three years ago

The Portuguese playmaker (right) has lacked having a potent striker playing ahead of him

‘He does care, sometimes it’s just about showing it in the right way. He absolutely cares about being a top footballer and wants to be successful at Man United.

‘He understands the history and expectations there and from the day he walked into the football club he has been the guy that the club has had to look to in all of the moments when they have needed something because he has been a tremendous addition to this football club in terms of goals, chances created, assists.

‘It’s only Kevin de Bruyne who is near him this season in terms of chance creation, he’s created 119 chances,’ he added.

United boss Erik ten Hag is keen to reinforce his squad with a potent striker in the upcoming summer transfer window in a bid to transform his side into title challengers next season.

Harry Kane has emerged as the club’s number one transfer priority but could be refused a move away from Tottenham, while Napoli dangerman Victor Osimhen has been quoted as another deadly option.

Kane managed 30 Premier League goals for a struggling Spurs outfit that limped to a dismal eighth-placed finish, while United tucked in behind Man City and Arsenal to snatch third on the final day of the season.

Ferdinand is adamant in the belief that Fernandes’ quality makes him a strikers dream and suggested that ambitious centre forwards should be desperate to join the United star at Old Trafford.

‘What I would say is if I’m a number nine in world football now and I am looking at going to Man United, after City in the Premier League you are thinking to yourself “I could score so many goals playing with this guy” what he can do with a ball, put a ball on a six-pence width, if I have half-decent movement I am getting 25 chances minimum just from him because he is that good with the ball,’ said Ferdinand.

Rio Ferdinand (left) believes that Fernandes (right) is determined to win title at United

Ferdinand stated that striker such as Harry Kane (pictured) would love to play alongside Fernandes

‘He doesn’t even need time, he turns and faces the game and puts the ball anywhere you want it. 

‘If Man United the two wide players, Rashford does it, he could do it more, Sancho or whoever on the other side, if they just think about once he gets the ball make runs in behind, I wouldn’t even think about getting the ball to feet, I’d just want it in behind the whole time. 

‘Imagine being a number nine, my mouth would be watering and I’d be saying “get me in that club asap now I need to get there” because I think he is that good.’

Fernandes will be hoping he can make more chances at Wembley on Saturday when Man United meet City in the FA Cup final.