Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, March 13, 2026, 6:29 p.m. / Updated Friday, March 13, 2026, 6:33 p.m.
Paul Parker, 61, a former Manchester United player from 1991-96, has slammed Bruno Fernandes, 31, questioning whether the Portuguese is the right player to lead the team to the long-awaited Premier League title, a feat not achieved since 2013. Parker described some of the midfielder's attitudes as reckless and suggested the team could be stronger without he
Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United have not won the title of English champion, despite massive investment and the passage of coaches such as Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Paul Parker does not forgive Bruno Fernandes: “The problem is that he becomes a burden if the game is not perfect for him”
Bruno Fernandes, signed from Sporting in January 2020, is often regarded as one of the club's best signings in recent years. In 318 games, the 31-year-old Portugal international has scored 105 goals and surpassed the 100-assist mark, joining a small group that only includes Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.
Despite his impact, the player's future has been the subject of speculation. The Portugal international himself revealed that the club would be open to a transfer in the summer of 2025 in the face of interest from the Saudi League, with a sale in 2026 not out of the question.
For Paul Parker, two-time Premier League champion with the Red Devils, the club should consider offers for the midfielder. The former defender believes a different approach in midfield could make United a more realistic title contender.
“At the moment, at Manchester United, a lot of people have a limited view of Bruno. I think we have to look at the long term and ask ourselves: is it possible to really compete for a championship with someone like Bruno? The problem is that he becomes a burden if the game is not perfect for himParker said.
Criticism also extends to the player's behavior without the ball. “When we don't have the ball, he just can't get close to the opposition. He doesn't make tackles, he's always running in behind… He just wants to run and run and run. Don't stay in one position and think that's enough, he believes he has to run after everything and be seen running,” he added, in a statement to goal.com.
Paul Parker, former Manchester United player between 1991-1996 // PHOTO: Imago Images
Paul Parker, 4 years at “Old Trafford”
Parker also pointed to the penalty awarded against Newcastle as an example of the wrong decision.
“Taking that penalty was pointless. There was no need to make that entry, on a player looking for it. A player who doesn't tend to dribble with the ball at his feet like Anthony Gordon. Gordon was looking for the penalty. Tried again later. Out of mind.”
Right-back Paul Parker played for Manchester United between 1991 and 1996, during which time he made more than 140 official appearances for the Red Devils, scoring two goals and providing an assist.
