Peterborough United chief heaps praise on 'gentle giant' after Shaun Maloney transfer question
10/16/2024 07:53 AM
Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has heaped praise on emerging defender Emmanuel Fernandez amid his first-team breakthrough.
Peterborough United endured another busy summer transfer window, going through some significant changes with star men heading for pastures new after the failed promotion bid.
Among the areas to see big change was centre-back. Ronnie Edwards got his deserved move to Premier League side Southampton while impressive defensive partner Josh Knight earned a switch to 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96.
As such, new prospects Oscar Wallin and George Nevett were signed. However, of the centre-backs used by Darren Ferguson, the standout has been one who was already on the books.
Peterborough United have had Emmanuel Fernandez since 2021, bringing him into their academy ranks from Ramsgate. He’s found first-team chances before and spent time out on loan, but this season has seen him emerge as a go-to starter at centre-back and he even captained Posh in the draw with Rotherham United last weekend.
Now, the emerging Posh star has received high praise from chairman and co-owner Darragh MacAnthony.
As quoted by the Peterborough Telegraph, MacAnthony highlighted Fernandez’s character and potential while also revealing Wigan Athletic boss Shaun Maloney asked where they had uncovered him after their clash earlier this month, backing him to make a big jump in the future.
“Manny is a Colossus,” the Peterborough United chief said.
“He’s been our best defender this season. Lots of people want to say what he can’t do, but I want to talk about what he can do. He’s not just a great defender, he’s also a great organiser and talker. He’s a gentle giant off the pitch, but he’s aggressive on it. He’s the only defender we have who talks and it’s so important.
He later added:
“Wigan manager Shaun Maloney asked our management team after we played them recently where we got Manny from. He was told we’d had him for four years and he’d come through our under 18s and under 21s. And Maloney reckons Manny could skip the next level going upwards.
“People are now noticing Manny for what he can do.”
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