---
title: "Manny Fernandez backed for Premier League breakthrough"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/09/27/manny-fernandez-premier-league-move-old-aina-nigeria"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Graeme Hanna"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-09-27T16:41:09Z"
modified: "2026-09-27T16:41:09Z"
---

# Manny Fernandez backed for Premier League breakthrough

**Manny Fernandez has been backed to make the step up to the Premier League, in a ringing endorsement from Ola Aina.**

The Nottingham Forest defender talked up the credentials of his compatriot, sending the message that he has what it takes to play at the top level.

Fernandez was an unused substitute as Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1 on Friday in a Cup of Nations qualifier.

Next up for the Super Eagles is an away test against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday in Group L.

[As detailed by Punch Sports](https://punchng.com/aina-backs-fernandez-for-premier-league-move/?amp), Aina made the remarks on social media, drawing a positive response from the Rangers man.

“You lot need to know about this guy. Top, top player, right and left foot, he is top, and he has got a level head,” Aina posted on Snapchat.

“Premier League soon?” he asked.

“Amen,” was the response from Fernandez.

> Has Manny Fernandez showed he can be relied upon, or does he still give us the fear? [#Rangers](https://x.com/hashtag/Rangers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#Scottishfootball](https://x.com/hashtag/Scottishfootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/z2n7UEMCT8](https://t.co/z2n7UEMCT8)
>
> — This Is Ibrox – Your Rangers Podcast (@thisisibrox) [September 25, 2026](https://x.com/thisisibrox/status/2103610568087048514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Fernandez can go far if he can fix obvious flaws

If Manny Fernandez wants to get to the Premier League, he needs to work on his game.

He has all the attributes, if he can sharpen his focus and concentration.

At present, there is too much sloppiness in his play. Unforced errors, stray passes and needless yellow cards should be avoided.

We saw the traits again in the opening stages of the Scottish Premiership [victory over Celtic](https://readrangers.com/2026/09/25/mccoist-rangers-celtic-confidence-issue-mcinnes) at Parkhead, but the reality is that he recovered to show his class.

Five clean sheets in the last six games, six wins, says it all, with the Nigerian having struck up an excellent partnership with the commanding [Olwethu Makhanya](https://readrangers.com/2026/09/27/olwethu-makhanya-south-africa-impact) alongside him.