'He's dragging that club through this dire moment' - Bruno Fernandes urged to leave Man Utd for a team than can 'win trophies' by Premier League legend because 'all he gets is stick'

The 29-year-old playmaker was instrumental in United’s recent 3-0 victory over Leicester City, scoring once and providing two assists. With his latest assist, Fernandes became just the sixth player in United’s history to register 50 in the Premier League, joining legends such as Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Eric Cantona.

Since arriving from Sporting CP in 2020, Fernandes has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. He has scored 94 goals and provided 79 assists in 276 appearances across all competitions. However, while his individual stats are impressive, United’s inability to challenge for major honours has led Cole to urge the Portuguese to reconsider his future at Old Trafford.

Speaking to Paddy Power, Cole said: "If I’m Bruno Fernandes, I’d absolutely be looking for a move away from Manchester United. He’s the first butterfly and he’s getting all the arrows from everyone. He must go home at night and wonder why everyone is digging him out when he’s the only one pulling his weight in this team.

“There are others doing okay but he is literally dragging that club through this dire moment. When all is said and done and Bruno leaves United and maybe they return to the top, they’ll look back at this era and the only shining light will be Bruno Fernandes."

Cole further argued that despite Fernandes' relentless efforts, the criticism directed at him is unfair.

“He’s a fantastic footballer and you could put him into most teams, and he’d thrive, but I don’t think he’s won a league in his career and he needs to go and prove to himself that he can play in a top side because he’s run his race at Manchester United," he said.

“He should leave that club with everyone; the owners, fans and the manager giving him his flowers because he gets all the stick. And that’s part and parcel of being a Manchester United footballer but how must he feel when he’s getting all the pelters despite being the one with the goals, assists and driving the team forwards. He’s a fabulous player and if I was him, I’d be looking to go and play in a team capable of winning trophies.”

As Manchester United’s captain, Fernandes has led the team through turbulent times, showing both leadership and commitment. He played a crucial role in United’s FA Cup victory last season, securing his second trophy with the club after winning the Carabao Cup in 2023.

However, United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim this season have made trophy success unlikely. The Europa League remains their only realistic chance at silverware, but with strong competition in the tournament, even that is far from guaranteed.