By 90min | Created at 2025-03-17 09:55:28 | Updated at 2025-03-17 12:32:45
3 hours ago
Bruno Fernandes has brushed off Roy Keane's repeated criticism of his character, admitting it spurs him on to prove his doubters wrong.
Keane has rarely shied away from voicing his frustrations towards Fernandes, who he has insisted should be stripped of the Manchester United captaincy, and recently argued that the Portugal international does not have the character to lead his side out of their slump this season.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has publicly defended Fernandes and, after another stellar performance in Sunday's 3-0 win over Leicester City, the 30-year-old took the opportunity to fire back at Keane.
Asked whether public criticism hurts him or motivates him in a conversation which initially did not name Keane directly, Fernandes told Sky Sports: "I think both. Obviously, it is not nice to hear bad things about you; no-one likes it.
"But at the same time, it motivates you and makes you think about a lot of things that people think you have to improve and you have to take it in a positive way, understanding that whatever people are saying and if there is a margin to improve or not.
"Obviously, I know you are talking about Roy Keane. As I have said before, I have a huge respect for Roy Keane. I think he is one of the best captains the club has had and he was an amazing player for the club.
Fernandes continues to play a crucial role / Carl Recine/GettyImages
"It is the way he thinks, the idea he has about me as a player, as a captain, and I have to respect that. I do things in my own way to try to be the best, not captain, but person and teammate as I can.
"I do it every day and try to be an example of everything I do in a training session, on the pitch and in everything I do, but obviously not everyone will like [it], not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone.
"And as I have said, I have huge respect for Roy Keane and I accept that there are a lot of margins for improvement in my game, in my leadership, in everything I do, even in my own life."
Fernandes' goal against Leicester took him up to 31 goal involvements across all competitions this season (16 goals, 15 assists). Only Mohamed Salah (54) and Erling Haaland (33) have managed more when it comes to Premier League players.
"I want to score many goals as I can as it's a big part of my game and I need to assist my teammates," he added. "I need to get on to the edge of the box and get goals as it is one of my qualities."
