Andy Cole disagrees with Jamie Carragher over Man United star criticism

Premier League legend Andy Cole has questioned Jamie Carragher’s recent comments about Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Cole, 52, had the pleasure of having the creative geniuses Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs providing world-class passes to his feet during his time at United.

Bruno Fernandes has become a topic of debate between the ex-Red Devil and former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher, as the two have differing opinions on Erik ten Hag’s main playmaker.

Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher pondered the ability of Fernandes, saying: “I think there’s a difference between being a great talent and a great player.

“I think Pogba was a great talent, but I don’t think he was a great player. It’s the same with Bruno Fernandes.”

Speaking to BetFred, Cole argued that greatness is in the eye of the beholder and strongly disagreed with the Scouser.

“What is a great player? When you say somebody is or isn’t a great player, that’s your perception. How do you define a great player? People agree and disagree over who’s a great player all the time. It’s all down to perception. 

“Put it this way, if Bruno was in a team that was winning week in, week out, then would the perception of him not being a great player change? 100% it would. I understand why he tries to do too much on the pitch for Manchester United because he’s frustrated about the position that the club finds itself in at the moment.” 

Regardless of ex-players opinions, Bruno’s stats speak for themselves. The Portuguese maestro has created the most chances in the Premier League in the year 2023 (133), and, as eluded to by Cole, Fernandes also covered more ground than anyone else, a staggering 451.8km by the close of last year.

Fernandes has ascertained 129 goal involvement in his 213 appearances for Manchester United, and as seen by being the most creative player in the league, perhaps his personal tally would have been higher if it wasn’t for the wasteful nature of his teammates in front of goal.

To top this all off, no other player has been involved in more goal involvements than Bruno since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2020. Now, if that isn’t a great player, what is?