Anderson Rates Paul Scholes Above Bruno Fernandes in Man Utd Midfield Debate
Anderson has placed Bruno Fernandes among Manchester United’s elite modern performers but insists Paul Scholes operated on a higher plane, ranking the former England midfielder alongside Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
Anderson separates Fernandes and Scholes
The former United midfielder praised Fernandes’ influence, leadership and attacking output, but said comparisons with Scholes overlook major differences in their games.
- Anderson described United captain Fernandes as an outstanding player with exceptional qualities.
- He placed the Portuguese international nearer to Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and Toni Kroos in his personal midfield comparisons.
- Scholes, in contrast, was grouped with Xavi and Iniesta as one of football’s very best central midfielders.
- Anderson said Fernandes is more attack-minded from midfield, likening parts of his role to the position Wayne Rooney often occupied.
“Scholes is a different level,” Anderson said. “He is on a different planet.”
The Brazilian spent eight years alongside Scholes at Old Trafford and recalled how the midfielder could decide games with minimal fuss. Anderson said he would cover huge distances during matches before Scholes arrived in advanced areas and scored, a trait he also saw regularly on the training ground.
Scholes’ Manchester United legacy
Scholes came through United’s academy with David Beckham and Gary Neville before reaching the senior side in 1993. He never represented another club during his playing career.
- He made 718 appearances for United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.
- He scored 155 goals, frequently arriving late into the penalty area to punish opponents.
- His passing range and close control also made him a major creator for United’s forwards.
- He won two Champions League titles, including the 1998-99 campaign in which United completed the Treble.
Scholes retired for a second and final time in 2013, the same year Ferguson stepped down. United have not won the Premier League in the 13 years since.
Fernandes carries current United hopes
Fernandes has become one of the key figures tasked with ending that title wait. The 32-year-old has worn the captain’s armband and is expected to agree a new deal in the near future as United seek to retain their most influential player.
- He recorded a Premier League-record 21 assists in a single season last term.
- Across 334 appearances for United, he has scored 111 goals.
- He has reached double figures for goals in every United campaign except last season.
- Fernandes has won United’s Player of the Year award five times and was named PFA Player of the Year in 2025-26.
His individual numbers have kept United competitive in difficult periods, often with Fernandes carrying much of the creative burden. The next test is whether his contribution can help take the club back to the top of English football and onto the list of Premier League champions.
