Manchester United claimed a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest in their final Premier League home game on Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes’s performance was one of the talking points of the triumph after registering his 20th league assist.
He has now equalled Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s record of most assists in a league season.
The Portuguese has drawn comparisons with the iconic Arsenal striker and former Manchester City midfielder, sparking controversy.
Reacting to the debate, pundit Rio Ferdinand strongly believes that Fernandes deserves to be compared with Henry and De Bruyne.
“Opposition fans are going to say it is Thierry Henry, who is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, players in Premier League history. Kevin De Bruyne has won countless trophies with Manchester City,’ he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“It always happens that when you are still playing, you don’t always get the flowers you deserve. But when he (Fernandes) retires and you look at the players that De Bruyne and Henry played with, it is a massive difference compared with what Bruno has had at Manchester United.
“No disrespect to those guys, but when you are talking about De Bruyne playing balls into people like Sergio Agüero and Erling Haaland, it is crazy.”
Fernandes needs Premier League triumph to seal legacy
The Portugal international is considered one of the best attacking midfielders in the top-flight.
However, he needs to win the league title to cement his place as a United and Premier League legend.
While he could still be regarded as a legendary figure — like Steven Gerrard who also did not win the competition — that could be used against his status in the future.
That said, his brilliance alone would not help United conquer the top-flight — as shown again this season. As a result, the Mancunian giants must ensure to strengthen the squad this summer.
Man United need at least two midfielders, one forward and a left-back to become a more formidable team.
With adequate reinforcements, United could win the league next season, potentially helping Fernandes secure his legacy.
