Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has sparked a heated debate after claiming Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes would struggle to get into the midfield of top Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City, or Liverpool.
Speaking on Brila FM, Ikpeba argued that while Fernandes is a talented player with technical ability and creativity, his overall impact and
consistency have not been at the level required to dominate elite midfields.
Ikpeba pointed out that Fernandes often shines in moments but struggles to maintain control in high-pressure games, particularly against the league’s strongest opposition. According to the ex-Super Eagles forward, this inconsistency is what separates him from the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva at Manchester City, or the energy and tactical intelligence displayed by Liverpool’s midfielders such as Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. “He’s a good player, yes, but can he lead a midfield that competes with the very best week in, week out? I don’t think so,” Ikpeba remarked.
The comments come at a time when Fernandes has just celebrated a major career milestone, scoring his 100th goal for United. Despite this, questions about his leadership and ability to lift the team in crucial moments continue to surface, especially as United look to close the gap on England’s top clubs. Ikpeba’s assessment reflects a growing sentiment among critics that the Portuguese playmaker sometimes flatters to deceive, producing numbers but not always dictating games at the highest level.
Nevertheless, Fernandes remains highly valued at Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag and the United board viewing him as a cornerstone of the club’s rebuild. Whether Ikpeba’s remarks serve as constructive criticism or harsh judgment, they add to the ongoing debate about Fernandes’ true standing among the Premier League’s elite midfielders.
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