Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand lauded the performances of captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Harry Maguire against Fulham.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was full of praise over the display of Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire against Fulham. United beat the London club 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday with a late winner from Fernandes.
The Red Devils are having an agonizing season as they suffered eight defeats from 16 matches in all competitions. United have looked vulnerable in both the offensive and defensive department as the squad showed a lack of team chemistry and style.
United manager Erik ten Hag has not used the football philosophy that earned him success during his tenure with Ajax. The United manager deployed tactics according to the players that are available despite having control over the players’ recruitment. The United boss is currently relying on his experienced players to lead by example as he works to build consistency.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand praised Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire for their outstanding performances against Fulham. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
Ten Hag appointed Fernandes as the new captain of the senior team before the beginning of the current season. Ex-United captain Roy Keane criticized the 29-year-old for his outburst whenever United struggled, calling for his sack from the captaincy.
However, the Portuguese playmaker stepped up and scored the winner for his team when United needed it the most.
Ferdinand told TNT Sports (h/t Mirror) that Fernandes took responsibility and inspired the team’s victory as a true United captain. He said:
“The captain stood up. We needed a big performance, we needed a goal. Critical time against Burnley after the Champions League defeat, he stepped up. Today they needed somebody to step out of the shadows and get into the spotlight. That was him. He took responsibility. A fantastic strike.”
Ferdinand gave Maguire a special mention for giving a top performance despite getting a head injury early in the game. He added:
“He (Maguire) deserves special mention as well. Head injury in the first couple of seconds of the game, battled his way through. It’s not about performances, there wasn’t a good performance there today. But they got the three points and that’s the most important thing.”
🔴 Bruno Fernandes: “I don't want to focus too much on one player, but everyone has been too critical of Harry Maguire”.
“He is doing very well, Harry deserves respect. I hope he can stay at this level”. pic.twitter.com/qArVy9lzhK
Ten Hag stripped Maguire from the captaincy during the summer after the defender failed to solidify a starting role. United lost their first-choice centre-back Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane to injuries this season, allowing Maguire to prove his worth.
The 30-year-old has been a formidable defender since getting the opportunity in the starting role which has not gone unnoticed.
Maguire had a visible cut above his eye after the head injury yet he showed his resilience and toughness. The England international looked visibly in trouble during the second half due to his injury but finished the game. We think concussion is a serious matter and United staff should have intervened despite the incredible performance from Maguire.
Both Fernandes and Maguire will play a crucial role if United hope to achieve the top-four finish this season.
Siddharth Juyal
