Qudus SalihuRangers fans have flooded social media with glowing tributes for Emmanuel Fernandez following what many are calling a defensive “masterclass” in a high-stakes victory over Aberdeen at Ibrox. The towering center-back, once considered an “unthinkable” star and a peripheral figure in the squad, has rapidly transformed into a cornerstone of Danny Röhl’s revitalized defensive unit.
With the pressure mounting in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership title, Fernandez produced a display of grit and intelligence that effectively neutralized the Dons’ attacking threats. His dominance in the air and a series of last-ditch recovery tackles proved vital as Rangers secured a narrow win to keep Aberdeen at bay in the league standings.
”Manny Fernandez was a mountain today. He’s gone from a backup option to arguably the first name on the team sheet under Röhl,” one prominent fan account posted on X.
The rise of Fernandez has been one of the most surprising narratives of the 2025/2026 season. Under previous regimes, the defender struggled for consistency and minutes, leading many to believe his future lay away from Glasgow. However, the arrival of Röhl has unlocked a new level of composure in the 23-year-old. Against Aberdeen, he recorded a 94% pass completion rate and won every single one of his aerial duels, a performance that drew a standing ovation from the home crowd as the final whistle blew.
The victory is particularly sweet for the Gers, coming on the heels of a massive Old Firm win just days prior. By silencing Aberdeen’s frontline, Fernandez ensured that Rangers did not suffer a “hangover” result, maintaining the momentum needed to catch the league leaders.
As the January window remains open and talk of new arrivals like Josh Windass continues, the focus for now remains firmly on the players currently delivering on the pitch. For Fernandez, the “unthinkable” star has become the indispensable hero, proving that under the right leadership, a masterclass is always within reach.
Mustapha Sheidu
Qudus Salihu
