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Andy Cole reveals he would 'love to have played alongside' Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes in a recent episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents.
Rio Ferdinand and co-host Joel Beya were joined by the fourth-highest goalscorer in Premier League history, Andy Cole, on their latest podcast episode.
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Both Ferdinand and Cole have deep ties to Old Trafford, accumulating over 500 appearances between them, as they shared their insights on the latest criticisms aimed at Bruno Fernandes.
Cole spoke reverently about Fernandes after Ferdinand posed the question, "Would you have liked to play with someone like him?"
"Yes, he’s got great ability," Cole said.
"Not just the goals that he scores, but I think his creativity as well; he sees the pass. He always wants to get on the ball. He’s always striving to do the right thing.
"I really do like him, and I think if Manchester United didn’t have him, especially this season, they'd have really struggled without him because he’s their talisman."
Despite Cole’s glowing praise, Fernandes has faced a barrage of criticisms this season, which range from disciplinary issues after two red cards to a decline in his goals and assists.
The latest critique came from the outspoken Roy Keane.
On the newest episode of The Overlap, the former Manchester United captain unleashed a scathing assessment of Fernandes, stating, "Talent is not enough. Bruno’s a talented player, but talent is not enough!"
Keane also highlighted the crucial need for leadership through action, casting doubt on Fernandes’ overall contribution to the club.
Reacting to Keane’s assessment, Ferdinand said, “Talking about waving his arms and shouting, Keane was Manchester United captain, and he’s lauded for that.
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"The Manchester United captain now, Bruno Fernandes, gets hammered for that. Why do you think one is allowed to do it and one isn’t?” Ferdinand asked.
Cole replied, “Different generations.”
“If you look at captains back then, a majority of the captains were very vocal. Very abusive, the way they’d speak to people. But that’s what we were used to.
"If you look at Bruno now, I ain’t going to lie, I love Bruno. I like the way he plays; the captains are in a totally different way.
“You don’t see many people waving their arms around in today’s game. People look at him and say, ‘What’s he waving his arms for?’ The guy is frustrated.
“I’ve never dismissed that because that was the generation I grew up with. Captains waving their arms around and getting abusive; it is what it is. When you’re on that football pitch, anything goes to make you win a football match.”
Keane’s harsh words led to Ferdinand revealing how he treated younger players during his time at Old Trafford.
“If Roy was playing now, he couldn’t lead his team the way he used to back then,” Cole said.
“I think players today might just shut down with someone like Roy because the way I see Roy, even players that weren’t in the first team, he’s almost ended their careers before they started. His tongue was poisonous at times.
“He said to a young kid, Michael Stuart, a young Scottish kid, a talented footballer, Roy said to him one day, ‘In a couple of years you’re going to be a pub team player.’
"Stuart is looking at Keane in the same position, his hero probably, and Keane is just destroying him. I just saw the life drain out of his body,” Ferdinand said.
Manchester United's next challenge looms as they prepare for an away match in the Europa League against Real Sociedad this Thursday.
After a disappointing loss in the FA Cup on Sunday against Fulham, the Europa League stands as United’s last opportunity to salvage some pride from what has been a challenging season.
