'Without him they're a disaster!' - Man Utd would've been RELEGATED without 'unbelievable' Bruno Fernandes this season, claims former Liverpool star

The former Liverpool winger claimed United would've been "fighting it out with Ipswich" at the bottom of the Premier League table had it not been for the performances of Fernandes this season. Pennant made the bold statement during a talkSPORT segment discussing the Red Devils' domestic struggles, 3-0 Europa League win over Athletic Club and Fernandes, who he believes elevates a significantly below-par United team.

United have endured a turbulent season, marked by inconsistency in the Premier League despite a strong Europa League campaign which now sees them just 90 minutes away from the final. Ruben Amorim has struggled to find a consistent winning formula, with the team often lacking creativity and defensive stability. However, Fernandes' impact this term - and since joining the club in January 2020 - has been undeniable, with the Portuguese playmaker consistently providing goals, assists, and a driving force in midfield.

Asked where United would be without Fernandes, Pennant said on talkSPORT: "I think relegated. I genuinely think they'd be back fighting out with Ipswich."

Former Tottenham midfielder, Jamie O'Hara, added: "Without him they're just a disaster. Maybe he's starting to get the credit he probably deserves because of the performances. He's a great player. He is top. When I watch him play and he's just like... he is unbelievable. He's one of them players that you just want to have in your team.

"And I know he can moan. I know he throws his arms up in the air. That's because he's had garbage around him for ages. He has stepped up this season for them. He must be standing there sometimes thinking, 'what am I doing playing with these?'"

Fernandes, who scored twice in Thursday night's win over Athletic Club, and his United team-mates are now preparing for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final at Old Trafford next week as they aim to secure a place in the final, potentially against Premier League rivals Spurs. Before that tie, though, Amorim's men face a trip to Brentford this weekend as they attempt to finish their miserable top-flight campaign on a high.