EXCLUSIVE
‘You’re crazy’ – Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein clash over Bruno Fernandes as pair make £500 bet over Manchester United
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes would walk into any Premier League's side midfield.
That's the bold view of talkSPORT co-host Andy Goldstein, a claim that had him labelled as 'crazy' by colleague Darren Bent.
4
Since making the move to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in a deal rising to £68million in January 2020, the Portugal international has been an ever-present figure for the club.
He has chipped in with 79 goals in 234 games in all competitions, and has lifted the Carabao Cup and FA Cup as the Red Devils' skipper.
talkSPORT understands that he is set to be rewarded with a lucrative deal until 2027 which will see him become one of the club's highest-paid players.
And United fan Goldstein couldn't help but wax lyrical over the 29-year-old on talkSPORT Drive.
Read more on Man United
He said: "I think he gets into any side in the Premier League, and I put Man City's in that."
Not having it, ex-Tottenham striker Bent clapped back: "You're crazy! In what position?"
Goldstein then stressed that he would play Fernandes alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri in City's midfield three, which would see Bernardo Silva dropped to the bench.
It led Bent to say: "So you think he's better in big games than Bernardo Silva? Absolutely not."
Most read in Football
Bent then insisted Fernandes wouldn't make his beloved Arsenal side's line-up if Thomas Partey was fit every week.
He remarked: "Say Partey is injured, [Declan] Rice, [Martin] Odegaard, Bruno, yeah. But if Partey's fit, he wouldn't get into Arsenal's midfield, are you crazy? Partey, Rice and Odegaard, he ain't getting in that."
4
4
It was then where Goldstein infuriated Bent even further by claiming he would start Fernandes over Gunners captain Odegaard.
He stated: "But I think he's better than Odegaard, so I would."
After being told he is 'nuts' by Bent, Goldstein continued: "No I'm not, I think it divides opinion.
Graeme Souness unimpressed by Manchester United signing Matthijs de Ligt from Manchester United and calls the defender lightweight
"Honestly, I think you're a little bit blindsided here by the love of your club, for you to put Odegaard on a pedestal looking down at Bruno Fernandes is a little bit nuts.
"I'm a realist and I think it's close between them, but in your eyes, he's head and shoulders above him."
Attention then turned towards how United will fare in the 2024/25 season after they lost to rivals City on penalties in the Community Shield.
And while they differed in opinions over Fernandes, they did manage to agree on one thing - a £500 bet.
4
Goldstein has backed his boys to secure a European spot after saying they will finish in the top seven of the table.
Whereas Bent has lumped his money on Erik ten Hag's side to finish eighth or below for a second successive campaign.
Only one thing is certain, it's going to be a wild Premier League season.
talkSPORT BET Offer
Sign Up Offer: Bet £10 and get a free bet on EVERY Premier League game for the first three weekends of the season -
T&Cs: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds until 7pm on 16/8/2024. No Cash out. Get 30x£1 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Keep up to date with all the latest news, rumours and gossip with our LIVE transfer blog
Topics