Rio Ferdinand explains why Bruno Fernandes could have a say in Manchester United striker search

Manchester United's summer quest for a centre forward is no secret and former Old Trafford defender Rio Ferdinand believes the season Bruno Fernandes has enjoyed can act as a selling point for the Reds.

Fernandes ended the season with eight goals and eight assists while he topped the chances created charts. The Portugal international played a key role over the final weeks of the campaign as United secured a top-four finish and Champions League football for next term.

The 28-year-old earned plenty of praise from Ferdinand, who feels that any striker potentially considering joining United in the summer should be licking their lips at the prospect of playing with the Portuguese playmaker.

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"I think he has been tremendous," Ferdinand said of Fernandes on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel. "Some criticism has been aimed at him for his body language and whatnot over the course of this season especially, but he has responded and I think he cares.

"He does care, sometimes it's just about showing it in the right way. He absolutely cares about being a top footballer and wants to be successful at Man United.

"He understands the history and expectations there and from the day he walked into the football club he has been the guy that the club has had to look to in all of the moments when they have needed something because he has been a tremendous addition to this football club in terms of goals, chances created, assists. It's only Kevin De Bruyne who is near him this season in terms of chance creation; he's created 119 chances.

"What I would say is if I'm a No.9 in world football now and I am looking at going to Man