Bruno Fernandes blames Kevin De Bruyne for Man Utd's struggle to compete for trophies as he lauds rival ahead of imminent Man City exit

De Bruyne is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the current season after having spent 10 years with the Premier League giants. The Belgian has won a total of 16 trophies with the Citizens, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League.

De Bruyne has often been hailed as one of the best midfielders to play in the Premier League. In the last couple of seasons, the Belgian has been compared to Manchester United captain Fernandes, as De Bruyne's effectiveness has fallen. However, Fernandes has now claimed that De Bruyne is the reason for the Premier League being better.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Fernandes said: "De Bruyne made the Premier League better. If City is where it is, and Man United hasn't won many trophies in this period, it's because of Kevin De Bruyne, and he deserves all the credit.

"He's done fantastic. Ten years in the Premier League is a lot. They have decided to part ways. I don't know from which side, but Kevin keeps being world-class, and it was a pleasure to watch him so close. It was a pleasure to play against him.

"He's going to stay in the history of the Premier League, not only of Man City."

The Belgian has yet to announce what the future holds for himself after he departs Manchester City. De Bruyne has been linked with a number of sides in Saudi Arabia and also with Major League Soccer side St. Louis CITY.