Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United star's impact compared with Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City by Rio Ferdinand

Bruno Fernandes' impact since he arrived at Manchester United in 2020 has been compared with the contribution made by Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne by TNT Sports' Rio Ferdinand.

It is four years to the day that Fernandes made his debut for United after signing from Sporting Lisbon for an initial £47 million.

Since then, the Portugal international has been involved in 286 goals in 515 games, scoring 159 and registering 127 assists, but has only won one trophy at Old Trafford - the League Cup in 2022/23.

De Bruyne, meanwhile, has scored 144 goals for City, laying on 241 assists in 591 appearances but has won everything at City, including the Treble last season.

Speaking about United's captain before their Premier League game at Wolves, shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+, Ferdinand discussed Fernandes' contribution to the club.

"He’s somebody who has absolutely banged in numbers – assists and goals. Creativity has been off the chart, comparable to anyone in that time since he’s been here," he said.

"De Bruyne will be up there with him numbers-wise. He’s had this impact at this club and he’s a terrific football player."

Despite his impressive stats, Ferdinand said the 29-year-old still receives "unfair criticism".

He added: "When you look at his numbers alone, you can’t question what he’s been doing at this football club in a time of turmoil, when they've underachieved.

"No matter what you want to say about him, when the chips are down and confidence is low in the club, it takes a personality and character to keep wanting to get on the ball and take the responsibility.

"He's one of the only ones that you can say every week, whether he produces a goal or assist or not, he still demands the ball. That's character."

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott added: "I believe he's been as consistent as anyone, performing at his best regardless of the situation of the club on and off the field.

"Yes, he may look frustrated sometimes but he still gives maximum effort and he has extreme quality."

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