Rio Ferdinand takes cheeky swipe at Arsenal as he says ‘if Man Utd star was there he’d probably have a statue’

RIO FERDINAND has claimed Bruno Fernandes would have a “STATUE” outside the Emirates if he were an Arsenal player.

The Portuguese midfielder has been one of Manchester United’s shining lights since his arrival at Old Trafford three years ago.

Bruno Fernandes scored Manchester United’s winner against Aston Villa on SundayREX

GETTYThe strike was the Portuguese’s 61st for the Red Devils[/caption]

GettyUnited great Rio Ferdinand has claimed his stats would earn him a statue if he were an Arsenal player[/caption]

Fernandes, 28, scored the winner in United’s 1-0 triumph over high-flying Aston Villa on Sunday – taking his club haul to 61 goals and 54 assists in 178 appearances.

And former Red Devil Ferdinand has joked that his incredible stats would’ve been rewarded with a bronze bust if he played his football for title-chasing Arsenal.

During the latest episode of his FIVE podcast, the retired defender said: “We deserved to win the game.

“Did you see Bruno’s numbers? Wow. The guy… it’s remarkable what he is doing.

“If he was at Arsenal he’d probably have a statue now at the Emirates with the numbers he has done!

“Does Bruno take the captaincy next year? 100 per cent, I think he does.

“Since Bruno signed [for Man Utd] he has been the most impactful player we have had.”

Ferdinand reckons Fernandes is a shoo-in to take the captain’s armband if current skipper Harry Maguire leaves Old Trafford in the summer.

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The 44-year-old said: “He’s wearing the armband while [Harry] Maguire doesn’t play.

“I think it is [a] natural progression for him to be captain next season.”

Ferdinand couldn’t help but revel in the fact United’s win over Unai Emery’s troops snapped a ten-game unbeaten run for the Villans.

He said: “We stopped their 10-game unbeaten run.

“Unai Emery was producing miracles, and who steps up to stop him?

“Bruno. Sit back down, Unai. Have a reality check and know your place.”

Manchester United will be back in action on Thursday night, travelling to The Amex to take on Europa-League-chasing Brighton.