Former Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin has invoked the name of a former teammate while giving his verdict on the ongoing situation surrounding Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes Interview Sparks Controversy
The Manchester United midfielder is dominating headlines this week after giving a blockbuster interview to Canal 11, a channel owned by the Portuguese Football Federation. In it, Fernandes revealed that the club was open to him leaving when a reported £100 million bid arrived from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal during the summer transfer window.
"From the club I felt it was, 'If you go it's not so bad for us'," Fernandes stated. "It hurts me a bit. More than hurting me, it makes me sad. I'm a player that no one can criticise, I'm always available, I always give my best."
The Portuguese international, who registered a goal and an assist in Monday night's 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth, insisted he chose to stay out of love for the club, despite the potential for higher earnings and trophies elsewhere.
Austin's Telling Comparison
Speaking on Sky Sports on Tuesday, Austin was asked if he had encountered players with a similar attitude during his career. The ex-QPR hero immediately pointed to his former Loftus Road colleague, Adel Taarabt.
"I think the closest I'd say on the attitude situation was Taarabt," Austin said. "Brilliant, but didn't want to be in the club and play in the Championship. Then he's moved on and did go and play for AC Milan in the Champions League also. For me, he'd be the standout one."
Austin praised Taarabt's undeniable talent, describing him as a "phenomenal" player who could get fans off their seats. He also noted that the Moroccan midfielder now reflects on his time in London with regret, acknowledging he "messed up" his opportunity.
The Legacy of Adel Taarabt at QPR
Taarabt spent five years with Queens Park Rangers, making 164 appearances and scoring 34 goals. He was instrumental in helping the club achieve promotion to the Premier League. However, his time there was also marked by controversy, notably when then-manager Harry Redknapp publicly criticised him for being overweight.
Following QPR's relegation in 2015, Taarabt went on loan to Fulham. In a 2020 interview, he looked back more fondly on his spell in West London, citing a season where he claimed 19 goals and 21 assists as "fantastic," while also expressing pride in his subsequent career at Benfica.
The comparison from Austin highlights how Fernandes's recent public comments, rather than his performances on the pitch, are once again becoming the dominant narrative around him at Old Trafford.
