Troy Deeney has claimed that one Manchester United star isn’t a ‘world-class’ player yet.

Gone are the days when Manchester United had world-class players all over the pitch. That’s not to say we won’t see United back at the peak of their powers once again, but they seem a long way off at this stage. 

Erik ten Hag’s second campaign in charge hasn’t exactly gone according to plan and despite an FA Cup final to look forward to, the Dutchman’s future remains unclear.

With the Red Devils currently sitting in sixth in the Premier League table, there is plenty of work to be done for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

United’s lack of quality has been evident throughout the season but a few players can be happy with their performances on an individual level.

Bruno Fernandes certainly falls into that category, with the United skipper managing 26 goal involvements in 45 appearances this term.

Despite his excellent stats, Troy Deeney has explained why he believes Fernandes isn’t a world-class player.

Deeney says Bruno Fernandes isn’t ‘world-class’

Speaking on Up Front, Deeney delivered his verdict on Fernandes, as well as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.

“I think world-class is reserved for four or maybe five players at best,” the former Watford striker said. “My definition for a winger is that I don’t look on stats, it’s more the eye test.

“If you went on stats Bruno Fernandes is world class and I don’t put him in that category. Similarly with Saka, I think they are both very good players, their stats show really well. But when Salah goes one-on-one, for example, I don’t go goal. That is reserved for very few people.”

Is Fernandes United’s only world-class player?

Many have differing views on what defines a world-class player. With Deeney claiming only ‘four or five’ players fall into that category in his view, you can understand why he doesn’t place Fernandes in that company.

But if you define a world-class talent as a player who is one of the best in their position in the world, Fernandes would be in with a shout.

The 29-year-old has been consistently brilliant for United since arriving for a £47 million fee back in January 2021.

In 230 appearances for the Red Devils, he’s netted 79 times and provided 64 assists from the middle of the park.

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