Rio Ferdinand has picked the player who former Manchester United and England teammate Wayne Rooney missed when the legendary striker suggested the Red Devils should rebuild a new team around Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes is one of the few players at Old Trafford to come out of this past season with his reputation largely intact after a grueling campaign for Erik ten Hag’s side.
The Portuguese captain has 10 goals and eight assists so far this season, and although he has suffered criticism for his leadership and attitude at times, he has continued to set a sporting example on the field.
As United’s disappointing campaign draws to a close this week, Rooney had suggested: “You’ve got to build the team around Bruno.” He has quality and he wants to fight, and then I think all the other players get rid of them.”
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 Manchester United’s few bright sparks this campaign.
Wayne Rooney (right) claimed the club needed to sell almost all of its players and build again around Fernandes.
Rio Ferdinand spoke to Mail Sport at an event at Bluewater shopping center for the new Ballerz dome
“I think that’s going to happen anyway, a lot of the 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 are going to build around one of them, for me it would be Bruno, with Kobbie Mainoo as well.”
Like Fernandes, Mainoo has had a rare and impressive campaign, from the youth ranks to a prominent midfield role with Ten Hag.
The pair have earned widespread praise this season, with the teenage midfielder even earning his first England cap and plenty of backing heading into the Euros in Germany.
Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho have also had brilliant moments, while Andre Onana and Harry Maguire have made some mistakes, but both have shown great mental strength to come back stronger and put in good performances.
Rooney was later asked if he would keep players like Onana, Dalot and Maguire, and the former England captain said: “I think he (Onana) has had a shaky start but he’s gotten better and better throughout the year.” “.
“For me, Dalot has done well, Maguire has had an up and down season.
‘To compete in this league they need better players. Don’t get me wrong, these players are good players. “But to compete with Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal, they need better players.”
Kobbie Mainoo (left) has had a great season for the Red Devils and has earned an England debut.
Fernandes enters the last game 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 sq ft football dome.
The dome houses an immersive soccer experience and a technology-packed 6-a-side stadium-style 5G pitch, including instant goal replays, along with professional locker rooms, stadium-style seating and a player tunnel.
“It’s a space where you come and really enjoy playing soccer and doing a lot of different activities,” Ferdinand said of the facility.
“There’s plenty of space where you can play football, drop the kids off, drop them off – here’s this field, but there’s also a lot of technology behind it, and a lot of food and drink.” You can watch the games, everyone!’
Ballerz will be open from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week starting Saturday, May 18, 2024, and reservations are now available at www.ballerz.co.uk.
Visitors can pre-book 30 or 60 minute sessions on Skillzone, as well as private course hire, parties, events and training.
