In a post-match critique that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, former Manchester United player Roy Keane didn’t mince words when he dissected Bruno Fernandes’ performance after a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City in a Premier League showdown on Sunday. Keane, who was known for his no-nonsense approach as a player, went as far as to suggest stripping Fernandes of the captain’s armband.
United midfielder Bruno Fernandes-Source: X
Speaking to “Sky Sports,” Keane didn’t hold back as he stated, “After seeing him today, I would take the captaincy off Fernandes. He’s not a leader. He’s complaining and moaning. I’ll start with that because the manager can control it. It’s not what I want in a captain.”
“He’s the opposite to what I would want in a captain!”
Roy Keane says he would take the captaincy off Bruno Fernandes 😳 pic.twitter.com/r8ynceAum8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 29, 2023
This echoes sentiments Keane’s former teammate Gary Neville expressed about Fernandes after a humiliating 7-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield last season, United’s worst defeat since 1931.
Fernandes’ frustration during that March game became evident as he waved his arms emphatically and gestured towards manager Erik ten Hag, signaling his desire to be substituted.
Neville, also a former United captain, had remarked that night, “I think some of his second-half behavior was a disgrace. United embodied nothing more than Bruno Fernandes, who was embarrassed in this match.”
Fernandes assumed the captain’s role last summer after Harry Maguire was relieved of the duty. Keane addressed this decision, stating, “After seeing him again, I’d take the captaincy off him 100%. I know it’s a big call. They obviously took it off Maguire, but Fernandes is not a leader,” as reported by Reuters.
This bold criticism by Keane has raised questions about Fernandes’ leadership on the pitch and his role in Manchester United’s ongoing struggles. It remains to be seen how the club and its manager will respond to these pointed remarks from a United legend.
