Only Lionel Messi is above Bruno Fernandes’ creative levels, claims Rio Ferdinand

Bruno Fernandes’ continued attacking output has been hailed by Rio Ferdinand, with the former Manchester United defender highlighting how only Lionel Messi has had more goal involvements since the Portugal star joined the Red Devils.

Fernandes was influential in Man United’s 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with Antony and Diogo Dalot scoring in the win.

Despite not scoring or registering an assist against Forest, Fernandes earned praise for his vision and the quality of passing.

Ferdinand, speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube show, noted that statistics place Fernandes only behind Messi for goal contributions since he signed for Man United in January 2020.

The return of Christian Eriksen to full fitness, Ferdinand believes, will help Fernandes to go up another level in the final weeks of the season.

Rio Ferdinand noted that Fernandes goal involvements rank only behind Lionel Messi 

Messi has been involved in 140 goals for his club compared to Fernandes 112 since 2019

‘His passing, he’s creating chances,’ Ferdinand said. ‘His stats, only Messi rivals him in terms of goal involvements since he signed for United.

‘I’m not saying he is on Messi’s level, no one is saying that Bruno is on Messi’s level, he’s not, that’s obvious.

‘But only Messi is above him in those stats.

‘He needs [Christian] Eriksen to go to that other level. Eriksen the amount of easy passes he makes that are just great for team-mates.’

According to Opta, Fernandes is one of just two players in Europe’s top five leagues to reach a half-century for both goals and assists for their club since his arrival at Old Trafford.

Fernandes has scored 60 goals and provided 52 assists in his 175 matches for the club.

Messi remains out in front by finding the net 81 times and laying on 59 goals for team-mates in the same period.

Injuries and suspensions have led to Fernandes operating in a deeper role in recent weeks.

Ferdinand believes the return of Christian Eriksen can help to elevate Fernandes’ level further

The 28-year-old returned to his favoured No.10 position against Forest, after Eriksen came in as a late replacement when Sabitzer suffered an injury in the warm-up.

Eriksen made his first start since sustaining an ankle injury in January, with the Dane joining Casemiro in the centre of midfield after the Brazilian returned from suspension.

Victory over Nottingham Forest saw the Red Devils edge closer to securing a return to the Champions League next season.

Man United hold a six-point lead over fifth placed Tottenham in the race for a top four finish, with Ten Hag’s side also having a game in hand.