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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has fired back at club legend Roy Keane following criticism of his performances and leadership credentials.
Three weeks ago, a furious Keane laid into Fernandes and his teammates, branding them “buffers.”
The former midfielder reserved his harshest criticism for Fernandes, arguing that talent was not enough and the Portuguese needed to offer more on the pitch. After Thursday’s 4-1 Europa League triumph over Real Sociedad, Fernandes issued a response to Keane and he has now hit back for a second time.
Fernandes spoke to Sky Sports after playing a leading role in the Red Devils’ 3-0 victory against Leicester City.
Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho both ended long goal droughts by scoring either side of the break as Fernandes’ red-hot form continued with both assists and a late third to wrap things up at the King Power Stadium.
Asked about criticism that has been levelled at him this term despite doing well individually, Fernandes answered, “Obviously I know you’re talking about Roy Keane.”
“I’ve said it before, I have huge respect for Roy Keane – I think he was one of the best captains the club has had, an amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club.”
“It’s the way he thinks, it’s the idea he has about me as a player, as a captain, and I have to respect that. Obviously I do the things in my own way to try to be the best – not captain, but person and team-mate – as I can.”
“I do it every day, I try to be an example in everything I do in the training sessions, on the pitch, in everything I do, but not everyone will like [that], not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone.
Fernandes added, “And as I said, I have huge respect for Roy Keane and I accept there is a lot of margin for improvement in my game, in my leadership, in everything I do – even in my own life.”
On the win, the 30-year-old remarked, “Obviously very pleased, very important to get the job done today. We know Leicester are fighting for their lives, we had to be at our best level.”
“First half we commit a lot of mistakes in transition, we lost too many balls. Second half we were much better at getting control. You can see some progress. This progress has to go on and on.”
Specifically asked about Hojlund, Fernandes continued, “It was very important for us. For strikers, it’s about scoring goals. They need to feel important. I’m very happy and very pleased.”
“For the next two weeks I hope he doesn’t score any more because he’s going to play against me in the national team, and then when he comes back he can get back to scoring goals again.”
United are back in action on April 1 when they face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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