🎤 Phil Bardsley Exclusive Interview with OLBG

Speaking exclusively with OLBG, ex-Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has tipped his former club to thrive under Ruben Amorim having been hard to watch under Erik ten Hag.

The former defender has also urged his former club to look at signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting and admitted that he’d be worried where Man Utd would be without Bruno Fernandes.

Bardsley has also backed Wayne Rooney in his dream of becoming Man Utd manager and said that a hypothetical boxing bout between Rooney and Jake Paul would sell out Wembley.

Q: What was your reaction to Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd arrival?

PB: “Ruben Amorim has done a terrific job at Sporting. He’s intelligent and a young enthusiastic coach that is exactly what Manchester United need.”

Q: Was it a relief for the players to see a change of manager in the end?

Amorim has arrived at Utd

PB: “Being brutally honest, it wasn’t pleasant to watch Manchester United towards the end under Erik ten Hag, but during his time at the club he delivered two trophies which is a lot more than most managers have done.

“It’s very unfortunate, the way that the end of his tenure played out. It was really tough for Erik in the end. I’ve interviewed him a few times and he was a really nice guy, good to engage with. But that’s the football industry.

“But he's not the only one to blame, players have got to take responsibility because they know they were underperforming.”

Q: Was it the right call for Ruben Amorim to part ways with Ruud van Nistelrooy?

PB: “I can see why Ruben Amorim has decided that it’s best for Ruud van Nistelrooy to move on. He had a great spell as interim manager but Amorim will have a team that he trusts and will want them beside him in order to get the best out of the players.

“Ruud will also have eyes on being a manager somewhere, you only have to look at what the players have said about him to see how highly he’s respected, everyone wishes him the best going forward.

“Even if it was only four games, it’s phenomenal for his CV having taken charge of Manchester United.”

Ruud van Nistleroy - Orange Pictures // Shutterstock

Q: Did the players down tools under Erik ten Hag?

PB: “Players can sometimes lose trust in a manager and then the relationship breaks down. I think that happened to a few of the players and you could see that in some of the performances and it was hard to watch.

“Erik ten Hag lost his job and then you see players running around again. It’s unfortunate but you see it a lot in football.

“It’s never nice to see someone lose their job because they had earned the right to be there, Ten Hag also delivered two trophies and then things just went flat.”

Erik ten Haag - Christian Bertrand//shutterstock

Q: Will some players have a new lease of life under a new manager?

PB: “Manchester United players will have a new lease of life under Ruben Amorim, I remember being at Sunderland and falling out with Paulo Di Canio, I was banished and training with the youth team before Gus Poyet came in.

“He brought me back into first team training and I scored and assisted two in an 11 v 11 match and he told me that I’d be a big part of his plans.

“Trying to impress new managers breeds good competition and gives the players who have been on the fringes a big chance, especially with a new system.

“I think Man Utd have the players to thrive in that system and it’s about earning the right to play now.”

Q: What would your back three be under Ruben Amorim?

PB: “I think Man Utd’s players will be more suited to Ruben Amorim’s system. I think Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro could be the back three but there are plenty of options.

“Amorim needs to get Luke Shaw back into the team and he can have a big impact. In midfield you have options in Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro, there is a great balance there.”

Q: What do you make of criticism of Bruno Fernandes?

PB: “Bruno Fernandes has a lot of expectation on his shoulders and I think he gets a lot of unfair criticism. His form has picked up but he tries things during games and that’s a good thing.

“I’d rather see him trying cross field passes than playing it safe, passing sideways and backwards. 

“I'm a big fan of Bruno. I think he's a brilliant football player and without his goals and assists over the last few seasons, you’d worry about where Man Utd would be.

“He's got great character and that's what I like about him. He's made to play for a club like Man Utd, he won’t hide when the team is struggling. He demands the ball like a captain should. 

“He is the right player and captain to get United back where they belong, winning titles.”

Q: Will Marcus Rashford have a fresh start under Ruben Amorim?

PB: “You always give young players the benefit of the doubt but Marcus Rashford isn’t young anymore, he is a senior figure in the squad and he has to step up.

“He has taken a lot of stick over the last season but that’s because he is one of the best players at the club. Ruben Amorim coming in will give him a new lease of life and I think a change in position can help him. 

“I think he will play through the middle a bit more and I think he’ll be very excited about the new manager coming in and thinking he can get back to his best.”

Q: Will Marcus Rashford be pained by being frozen out by England?

PB: “Being out of the England picture will be hurting Marcus Rashford, but he needs to be brutally honest with himself and understand that his form means he doesn’t deserve to be in there at the moment.

“There is a lot of talent in attacking positions for England and he’s going to have to get back to his best at Man Utd to impress Thomas Tuchel and force his way back in.”

Q: What did you make of Alejandro Garnacho deciding not to celebrate his goal?

PB: “I didn’t like seeing Alejandro Garnacho choosing not to celebrate his goal. He’s had a little bit of stick from the fans which isn’t necessary, but you need to use that to prove people wrong like he did and then celebrate that.

“When you score for a club like United you celebrate properly, don’t try and make a statement by sulking and moaning. Put the ball in the back of the net and do it consistently.

“The ability is there, but he needs to work on his end product. His fitness is phenomenal and he can create moments of magic, but he needs to stay fresh when he’s in the final third to improve his end product.”

Q: Can Amad Diallo be a star under Ruben Amorim?

PB: “Amad Diallo can be a star under Ruben Amorim. He’s been brilliant every time I’ve watched him this season and he’s really impressed me.

“He plays with a smile on his face and loves going out there and trying to make an impact. He’s direct and sharp and I wouldn’t have liked to have defended against him.

“He has a low centre of gravity and a great left foot, the competition is there at Man Utd and it’ll be down to how much they impress the manager. I think he is a player that will force his way into the starting XI if he continues.”

Q: Should Manchester United stop fans from getting to the players after games?

PB: “I just think it's one of the things in modern day society, I don't think you're ever going to get away from that sort of stuff anymore. It's just the culture and the world we live in now. 

“There are cameras everywhere in every walk of life, whether it's coming off a football pitch, going to a shopping centre, restaurant, bar, or whatever it may be.

“If you're in the public domain and you're famous and you're playing for a top club, you're always going to get people that want to catch glimpses of you. 

“But there's a fine line when it comes to what is helpful before or after a game at Old Trafford.”

Q: Can Rasmus Hojlund be a long-term success at Man Utd?

PB: “I think Rasmus Holjund needs some help up front and I think Man Utd will be looking for that in the transfer market. It’s hard for him to be the focal point at such a young age and I think it would take a load off his shoulders.

“When United were winning titles it was having four top strikers that they could rely on week-in week-out, so if one was injured or suspended you had a starter available as well as another one who could come on and change the game.

“Hojlund being up front on his own brings too much expectation and I’d be surprised if the club doesn't bring someone in.”

Q: Should Man Utd be looking at Viktor Gyokeres?

PB: “Viktor Gyokeres is certainly a name that Man Utd should be looking at. He is making a name for himself at the moment and I expect that Ruben Amorim will have his eye on him.

“But whoever it is, United need to bolster that area because there has been a shortage of goals and the recruitment department will be aware of what the club needs.”

Q: Was it sad to see Sir Alex Ferguson let go by the club?

Alex Ferguson

PB: “It was very difficult hearing that news about someone you have so much respect for, someone who had such a big impact on so many careers. But it must’ve been a mutual call.

“He might want a bit more freedom and will understand the point of view of the club, it’s a business operation and they want to bring down costs. Unfortunately that’s the way it is.”

Q: Is Andre Onana the right man to win Premier League titles with Man Utd?

PB: “I was concerned about Andre Onana after his first few games because he really struggled in the way that Man Utd wanted to play.

“I think he’s done better of late, even though he said he was going to take more risks. He has potential to grow but as a goalkeeper you have to remember that one mistake and it’s usually punished.

“It's a really difficult position to try and find elite goalkeepers if you want to go down that route and go and find somebody else. I think this season he's playing really well.”

Q: What is the story behind the boxing video with Wayne Rooney?

PB: “We had no idea that the boxing clip would go viral because we didn’t even know it was being filmed!

“It then got released and sold and it was just one of those things, we’d probably had one too many drinks and then got the gloves out.

“People sometimes forget that we are just normal lads from normal backgrounds and that’s just what lads do sometimes.

“We had a swing and chinned each other a few times, we both like our boxing and I got the better of him on that occasion.”

Q: Would you be interested in getting into the ring like Danny Simpson?

PB: “I’d certainly be interested in getting into the ring like Danny Simpson. I’ve had people ask me the question and I spoke to Simo about it recently.

“I’ve spoken to Wayne Rooney about a potential fight of his own but the issue he has is that he wants to manage and coach and it would be a bit stupid to go on Misfits or something like that and fight a YouTuber when he’s coaching.

“But for me, I’m keen, Simo has spoken to someone at Misfits who spoke to some YouTubers but I don’t think there has been any takers yet which is unfortunate because I like to think I can give it a go. If someone offered me a few quid for a fight, I certainly wouldn't turn it down.”

Q: How big would Wayne Rooney vs Jake Paul be, would it sell out Wembley?

PB: “Wayne Rooney vs Jake Paul would definitely sell out Wembley, you can imagine the audience that would bring in, both in person and online as well.

“The younger generation would be mad on all the build up and the clips on their phones, the influencer boxing scene is huge and they’re filling their pockets now.

“Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audience.

“He played football in front of millions before Jake Paul was on the scene but fair play to him, now he is doing it on the big stage and getting paid fortunes.

“I’m not sure about him fighting Mike Tyson though, a 20 something lad fighting a 56-year-old, it’s bonkers. You can understand it financially but I couldn’t fight a 60 year old man for whatever amount of money. But that’s just me.”

Q: How are you expecting Coleen Rooney to do on I’m a Celeb?

PB: “Coleen has had the opportunity to go on the show numerous times and turned them down, this is the right time for her now the kids are a bit older.

“She’s ready to go on now and the public will be able to see what she’s like as a person and I think they will really warm to her.

“She’s a good woman that comes from a great family, her mum, dad and brothers will all be watching and it’ll be great to see how she gets on.

“I’m sure she’ll do well at the trials, some of those with the snakes and stuff like that are not for me but she’ll be fine. I wish her all the best.”

Q: How have you rated Wayne Rooney’s start to life in management?

Image: Mikolaj Barbanell/Shutterstock

PB: “Wayne is so keen to be a successful manager and he’s obsessed with the coaching side of the game. Things didn’t go to plan at Birmingham when there was a lot going on but he’s got the sort of personality that he won’t stop until he’s a success.

“He’s moved down to Plymouth which was a big undertaking given he’s now five hours or so away from the kids but that shows his commitment to being a good manager.

“He’s a good person and he understands football and what the players need. He’d be a great manager to work under and although Plymouth have been a bit up and down this season I think they’ll find their form and kick on under the winter months.”

Q: He dreams of being Man Utd manager, does he have the drive to make it a reality?

PB: “Wayne has said that his dream is to manage Manchester United and he has the drive and passion to make it a reality.

“We saw the drive he had during his playing career and he has taken that into management, sometimes it just needs the right opportunity at the right club. He’s committed and he’s ambitious, he’ll put all the hours in he can.

“It’s up to the players to trust that he can get the best out of them and he can certainly do that. He has the character that players will want to perform for.”

Q: How do you remember your time at Rangers?

PB: “Being at Rangers was a fabulous experience. I was a young lad at the time of 18 or 19 and going up to Glasgow to play for Rangers was incredible. 

“It was probably a time where I needed to go out and play regular football. Gary Neville was still at a really good age at United at the time, so the minutes were few and far between. 

“But to go up there and experience Glasgow and see what the club was all about was an incredible experience. I absolutely loved it. 

“Unfortunately the way it all unfolded with obviously the manager wasn’t ideal but those things can happen early in your career. You learn from them further down the line.

“But it was a great experience and playing for a club like that was special.”

Q: What do you make of Robbie Savage taking over the managerial role at Macclesfield?

PB: “Robbie Savage being manager at Macclesfield was always going to happen. He wanted to be in control of everything there.

“It was clear that he wanted to be the manager and to be perfectly honest he wasn’t my cup of tea. I went in there to do a job with Alex Bruce and it went decent enough.

“He got his move to Salford which he’s enjoying so that’s great, then Robbie took over at Macclesfield and I wish the players all the best, there are some great lads there.

“But in terms of Robbie being the manager, I don’t lose any sleep over if he wins or loses games, that’s how it is.”

Q: Would you like to go back into coaching?

PB: “I came out of football and went into property, I've got my own property company so with my own business it gives me a bit more flexibility to do family stuff. 

“I've got three boys who all play football so obviously it's a big commitment as any parent will understand, getting your kids from A to B and going up and down the M6.

“But having my own business gives me that freedom to get my kids to training every night. 

“On the coaching front, I enjoyed the games and it’s the closest thing you can do to playing again. I enjoyed it but I’m not in a rush to get back into it. I can do things on my own terms at the moment and I like that.”

Q: What have you made of Wrexham’s journey in the Football League?

PB: “It’s incredible what Wrexham have done. You can throw as much money as you want at something but if people don’t buy into what you’re trying to do then you won’t get anywhere.

“The players you bring in have got to produce and win football matches. That’s what they have been doing for a few years now and watching them last year in League Two with Stockport was sensational.

“They’re having a right good go again this year and fair play to them, they have put their money where their mouth is and it really is a Hollywood story. Fair play to them.

“The guys at Salford have seen how much money it takes to get you through the leagues and it’s never easy, especially with the amount of games you have to play.

“But Wrexham are throwing money at it and recruiting well, the fans are buying into it and they just need to enjoy the ride while it lasts.

“You never know when the owners might get fed up and want to move onto something else so you have to make the most of it.”

Q: Would you like to see Cristiano Ronaldo back at Man Utd?

PB: “Man Utd fans will always love Cristiano Ronaldo, but during his second spell the league might’ve been a bit quicker than he was expecting even though the goals were still there.

“He’s always going to score goals but the relationship with the manager broke down and that was it. 

“But as a United fan, I think we'll always have that respect for him, no matter what he does. He’ll probably dip his toe into management and see how he likes it, because he won’t be short of offers, but he may decide to go into something else.

“But for the moment he is still playing and I think his legs have a couple of seasons left in them yet.”

Q: How do you rank Sunderland’s start to the new season?

PB: “Sunderland’s start to the season has been great to watch with some great football on display. I hadn't seen much of the manager before he came in and losing Jack Clarke in the summer was difficult, but they have reacted really well.

“They have some promising young players there and they play a really nice style of football. Credit to him, they're enjoying the wave and riding high at the top.

“Hopefully they can continue that and get over the line and get back in the promised land of the Premier League, where they belong.”

Q: What are your thoughts about Scott Parker at Burnley?

PB: “When I watched Burnley earlier in the season against Luton I thought they played some really nice football and might even run away with the title again.

“But it’s been hit and miss since then and I think it’s about finding the right balance for Scott Parker at the moment. He is still trying to figure out his best team and best system and he does need time.

“He’s an experienced manager now and knows that it’s a long season, hopefully they can turn the draws into wins and get back up there with Sunderland. It would be great to see two of my former clubs get promoted.”