- United looked set to drop more points until Fernandes stepped up with the winner
- Ferdinand defended his leadership of the team, hailing him ‘captain fantastic’
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Why the Arsenal players will be laughing at Mikel Arteta behind his back
Rio Ferdinand has hit out at Bruno Fernandes’ critics after the Manchester United captain saved his side against Rangers.
United looked set for a familiar story in their crunch Europa League clash with the Scottish side on Thursday night when they blew a 1-0 lead, conceding to a Cyriel Dessers equaliser in the 88th minute.
But Fernandes stepped up, firing in Lisandro Martinez’s cross first time to ensure United secured the vial three points to put themselves in pole position to reach the last-16 of the competition.
After the game, former United defender Ferdinand launched a starch defence of Fernandes, whose leadership at times has come under question from fans during United’s difficult period.
He remains the team’s skipper as they try and build under Ruben Amorim, with their struggles persisting in the Premier League.
‘I’ve heard many people questioning Bruno Fernandes about his leadership and his captaincy at this football club since he’s been here,’ Ferdinand began, speaking on TNT Sports. ‘In terms of delivering moments, creating chances, scoring goals – this guy delivers and steps up time and time again for this football club.’
Rio Ferdinand hit out at Bruno Fernandes’ critics after his heroics against Rangers on Thursday
The Manchester United captain stepped up late on to score a dramatic Europa League winner
Ferdinand hailed ‘captain fantastic’ Fernandes for his leadership, with him having previously faced criticism
United are now up to fourth in the Europa League table, but they may still need to win their final league game against Romanian side FCSB next week to guarantee qualification to the last-16.
As is the case with the Champions League, the top-eight sides bypass the play-offs to reach the last-16, while teams finishing ninth to 24th will contest said play-offs.
Rangers, meanwhile, are 13th, and will need to win with several results also going their way to stand any chance of automatic qualification.
‘I’m glad it ended the way it did for us, for Manchester United,’ Ferdinand added. ‘It wasn’t without worry up there in the heavens.
‘I was up there in the gantry. I have to say first and foremost for Rangers, who are a depleted team, a lot of young players in that team, I thought they really handled themselves and conducted themselves very well. Credit.
‘Man United left it late. Captain fantastic in many ways, in terms of what he produces goal wise and creativity, Bruno Fernandes stepped up when was needed and produced a moment and very, very convincing in terms of that finish.’
