'Only Messi rivals him' - Rio Ferdinand hails Man Utd star

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 21 Apr 2023 12:22 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on one Red Devils star, likening him to Barcelona legend, and current Paris Saint-Germain star, Lionel Messi.

Erik ten Hag's side crashed out of the Europa League after a 3-0 defeat to Sevilla on Thursday night thanks to goals from Youssef En-Nesyri (2) and Loic Bade.

Two late own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire at Old Trafford meant the Red Devils went into the second leg of their quarter-final tie needing to beat Sevilla on the night to progress.

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However, they capitulated in a cauldron-like atmosphere at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium and were dumped out of the competition 5-2 on aggregate. It was the third time in six seasons that Sevilla have knocked Man Utd out of a European competition.

Ahead of the defeat on Spanish soil, Ferdinand was keen to praise Bruno Fernandes, who missed the second leg due to picking up too many yellow cards in the competition.

His absence was sorely missed on the night, with Man Utd unable to create any clear-cut chances against a resolute Sevilla backline.

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What did Ferdinand say?

The former Man Utd defender likened Fernandes to Lionel Messi and stressed that his team-mates must improve to reach his level.

"His [Fernandes] passing, his creating chances is top. His stats, only Messi rivals him in terms of goal involvements since he signed for United," Ferdinand said.

"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."

Fernandes, 28, has 10 goals and 13 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Man Utd this season. Only Marcus Rashford (38) has more goal contributions than the Portuguese international in the Man Utd squad.