Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal would be a lot better if they signed ‘smart’ player from Man United

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Manchester United are far from a desirable club right now, but Rio Ferdinand thinks Arsenal could benefit from one player.

Arsenal beat Man United 1-0 on the opening day of the 2025/26 season, handing Ruben Amorim another blow. 

There was a feeling that change was near during Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford, as United really tested the Gunners and were arguably the better team on the day. 

One player who thought so was Bruno Fernandes, who noted how Arsenal created very little, which has been a problem for Mikel Arteta’s side so far this term. 

Fernandes noticed Arsenal’s troubles on matchday one, and Rio Ferdinand thinks the Man United captain could be the figure to improve things. 

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Rio Ferdinand thinks Bruno Fernandes would make Arsenal even better

Ferdinand was surprised by how negative Arsenal fans have been since the Gunners’ draw against Manchester City on matchday five. 

The game at the Emirates showed more of the same from Arteta’s side when it came to a lack of impact in attacking midfield.

Reacting to the action on matchday five of the Premier League season, Ferdinand spoke about Fernandes, claiming that Arsenal would improve if they signed the 31-year-old.

“What I would say is I think Bruno would improve City and definitely improve Arsenal as well,” Ferdinand said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.

“I think he goes into your team and his output is bigger than any of your attacking midfielders.”

With 115 goal contributions in 200 Premier League appearances, Fernandes is a player every club is wary of, with even Arteta passing comment on the playmaker recently.

After Arsenal’s draw against Man United in March, Arteta praised Fernandes for being ‘smart’ before scoring a direct free-kick against the Gunners.

“He’s been smart and he took advantage, that is football, he’s been smarter than the ref,” Arteta told Sky Sports at the time.  

How Bruno Fernandes compared to Martin Odegaard in the 2024/25 Premier League

When it comes to the number ten role, Arsenal are well-stocked with Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri and upcoming star Max Dowman. 

Odegaard is at the top of the pecking order at present, but would Fernandes be better for Arsenal than their captain?

Ironically, Ian Wright has said he wishes Fernandes played for Arsenal, and while there’s no chance of it happening, it’s clear to see why.

Ferdinand is right in some ways, as the Portugal international outperformed Odegaard last season in areas that Arsenal need assistance, most notably shots and chance creation.

Perhaps, if Arsenal didn’t have the future of the position laid out, a move for Fernandes could be deemed feasible as Man United’s problems continue, but right now, such looks impossible.