Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand  has picked out the player that former Manchester united and England team-mate Wayne Rooney missed when the legendary forward suggested the Red Devils should rebuild a new team around Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes is one of a handful of players at Old Trafford to come through this last season with their reputations largely intact after a wearisome campaign for Erik ten Hag’s side. 

The Portuguese captain has 10 goals and eight assists so far this term, and although he has suffered criticisms of his leadership and attitude at times, he has continued to lead by a sporting example on the field. 

As United’s disappointing campaign approaches the close this week, Rooney had suggested: ‘You have to build the team around Bruno. He’s quality and has got fight in him, and then I think all the other players get rid of them.’

Ferdinand has now revealed to Mail Sport that he largely agrees with Rooney’s damning assessment – only with one caveat. 

Wayne Rooney (right) claimed that the club needed to sell almost all their players and build anew around Fernandes

Rio Ferdinand was talking to Mail Sport at an event at Bluewater shopping centre for the new Ballerz dome