MANCHESTER: Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been urged by former Chelsea player Joe Cole to leave Old Trafford in search of more trophies.
Fernandes has scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists for United this season, despite it being one of the worst campaigns in the club’s history.
The 30-year-old scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad to help Man United reach the Europa League quarter-finals.
The Portuguese star was, however, criticized by former Red Devils captain Roy Keane who questioned his authority as United’s captain.
Cole said Fernandes must be disappointed to be criticized despite his excellent performances for United and he needs to find a team capable of delivering trophies.
Fernandes scored 95 goals and 81 assists in 277 appearances for Man United.
“If I were Bruno Fernandes, I would leave Manchester United. He must be wondering why everyone is criticising him when he is the one working hard to help the team.
“There are other players who have stood out, but it is Bruno who has been seen working hard to save the team in these difficult times. If Bruno leaves United and the club returns to the top, they will look back on this era and only Bruno Fernandes shines.
“He’s a great footballer who could join any team, but I don’t think he’s ever won a league in his career. So he needs to join a team that can win trophies because he’s tried his luck with Man United,” said Cole.
Since joining Man United in 2020, Fernandes has only lifted the League Cup trophy in 2023 and the FA Cup last May.
During Fernandes’ time at Old Trafford, his best achievement in the Premier League was runner-up finish in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, despite trailing champions Man City by 12 points.
Last season they finished eighth and are now in the bottom group of the league with only nine games remaining.