Rio Ferdinand selects star Wayne Rooney missed in damning assessment of Man United squad after club legend claims Red Devils should ‘get rid’ of most players and build around Bruno Fernandes
Rio Ferdinand has picked the player that former Manchester United and England teammate Wayne Rooney missed out on when the legendary striker suggested the Red Devils rebuild a new team around Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes is one of the few players at Old Trafford who came through last season with his reputation largely intact after a tedious campaign for Erik ten Hag’s side.
The Portuguese captain has 10 goals and eight assists so far this season, and although he has at times faced criticism over his leadership and attitude, he has continued to set a sporting example on the pitch.
As United’s disappointing campaign draws to a close this week, Rooney suggested: “You have to build the team around Bruno. He’s quality and has fight in him, and then I think all the other players are getting rid of him.
Ferdinand has now revealed to Mail Sport that he largely agrees with Rooney’s damning assessment – with just one caveat.
Bruno Fernandes has been one of the few bright sparks for Manchester United this campaign
Wayne Rooney (right) has claimed the club need to sell almost all their players and rebuild around Fernandes.
Rio Ferdinand was speaking to Mail Sport at an event at Bluewater Shopping Center for the new Ballerz Dome
“I think it’s going to happen anyway, a lot of players will be on the market,” he told Mail Sport.
“Whether that happens or not, I don’t know, but for the players they have, if they want to build around one of them, it would be Bruno for me – with Kobbie Mainoo as well.
Like Fernandes, Mainoo enjoyed a rare impressive campaign, moving from the youth ranks to a prominent midfield role under Ten Hag.
Both men have been widely acclaimed this season, with the teenage midfielder even winning his first England cap and plenty of support for heading to the Euros in Germany.
Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho also had moments of brilliance, while Andre Onana and Harry Maguire made a few mistakes, but both showed great mental strength to come back stronger and put in good performances.
Rooney was then asked whether he would keep Onana, Dalot and Maguire. The former England captain said: “I think he (Onana) had a tough start but he got better as the year went on.
“For me, Dalot has done well, Maguire has had an up and down season.
“To compete in this league, they need better players. Make no mistake, these players are good players. But to compete with Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal, they need better players.
Kobbie Mainoo (left) has had a breakthrough season for the Red Devils and made his England debut
Fernandes enters final match of the season with 10 goals and eight assists for United
The multi-million pound dome provides facilities for the public to play football, watch matches and relax.
Ferdinand was speaking to Mail Sport at an event at Bluewater Shopping Center to launch the new multi-million pound Ballerz Dome – a 30,000 square foot football dome.
The dome houses an immersive football experience and a 5G 6-a-side stadium-style pitch packed with technology, including instant goal replays, as well as professional changing rooms, stadium-style seating and a player tunnel.
“It’s a space where you come and have a lot of fun playing soccer and doing a lot of different activities,” Ferdinand said of the facility.
“There’s a lot of space where you can play football, drop the kids off, leave them – there’s this pitch here, but also a lot of technology behind it, and a lot of food and drinks. You can watch games, a lot ! “
Ballerz will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight seven days a week from Saturday May 18, 2024, with reservations now online at www.ballerz.co.uk.
Visitors can pre-book 30 or 60 minute sessions in the Skillzone, as well as private pitch rentals, parties, events and training.
