Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has likened Bruno Fernandes to Lionel Messi ahead of the Europa League quarter-final second-leg showdown against Sevilla.
Erik ten Hag's men make the trip to Spain with the tie evenly poised after a late United capitulation at Old Trafford last week. A Marcel Sabitzer brace put them in the driving seat, only for two late own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire to give the Spaniards hope for an upset on Thursday evening.
Facing Sevilla in the Europa League is an intimidating prospect, particularly on their own stomping ground. Jose Luis Mendilibar's side have won the competition a record six times and will harbour plenty of confidence that they can make that seven this season.
United can also take plenty of positives from the first leg, but one problem presented from that game was Fernandes' suspension.
Having been shown one too many yellow's in the competition this season, his caution for a handball last time out means Fernandes will sit out the second leg against Sevilla.
Despite this, Ferdinand waxed lyrical over the Portugal international as he claimed: "His passing, he's creating chances is top, His stats, only Messi rivals him in terms of goal involvements since he signed for United.
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"He needs [Christian] Eriksen to go to that other level. Eriksen, the number of easy passes he makes that are just great for team-mates."
Ferdinand is not the only high-profile former United star to heap praise on Fernandes recently. Just last Sunday, Roy Keane was quick to compliment the 28-year-old for his performance against Nottingham Forest.
The Red Devils ran out 2-0 winners at the City ground and though Fernandes didn't get on the scoresheet, he was central to everything positive for the visitors.
That did not evade Keane's attention, as he issued Fernandes some glowing praise after the game.
"Brilliant, I really think he’s a brilliant player," the ex-United ace declared.
"He’ll be disappointed he didn’t obviously score, but his quality of his balls into the box – if you’re a striker it’s a dream, you make some runs and he picks you out.
"Plenty of time today, he’s got a good relationship obviously with [Christian] Eriksen and all the guys around him. I just think he’s pure quality."
Keane has previously been a vocal critic of Fernandes and his on-pitch conduct, but the midfielder is currently operating at such a high level his form simply cannot be ignored or overlooked.
