Rio Ferdinand says he’d love to play with this bold United risk-taker who checks every box Sir Alex demanded

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has named Bruno Fernandes as the current player he’d have loved to play alongside, while also highlighting the three qualities demanded by Sir Alex Ferguson that the skipper meets. Heartbeat of United United have gotten little right since 2013, but signing Bruno Fernandes is a definitive mark in the win column. Signed from Sporting CP in January 2020, he is undoubtedly the best acquisition made by the club since Sir Alex’s retirement from football. Fernandes has logged an impressive 103 goals and 93 assists for United in 307 appearances. Despite the team’s struggles last season, which culminated in a 15th-placed finish, he still registered 19 goals and as many assists, earning himself the club’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards. He has been as influential this term despite largely playing in an unfamiliar deeper midfield position. His strike and assist vs. Bournemouth took his tally for the campaign to five goals and six assists. But Fernandes’s impact transcends statistics and chance creation. He is the team’s undisputed leader, and in difficult moments, his teammates look to him for inspiration – a role in which he consistently delivers. He has had his fair share of criticism but there is no denying United would be far worse without their skipper. Speaking on the Inside Carrington podcast, Ferdinand named Fernandes as the current star he would have enjoyed being in the trenches with during his playing days. Ferdinand lauds Fernandes The six-time Premier League winner remarked, “A player I think could have played in our team would be Bruno.” “I said when I was talking to him earlier, Giggsy [Ryan Giggs] 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.” United are next in action on Sunday when they go away to Aston Villa. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!