Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has recently hit back at the intense criticism from former club captain Roy Keane following his impressive performances on the pitch. The Portuguese midfielder’s response came after he helped his team secure a decisive 3-0 victory over Leicester City on March 16, 2025, where he contributed one goal and two assists.
Keane has been vocal about his discontent with Manchester United’s current squad, labeling them as 'f****** imposters' on the Stick to Football podcast last month. He expressed his doubts particularly about Fernandes’ leadership skills, firmly stating, "Talent is not enough! You keep coming back to talent – Bruno's a talented player, but it's not enough!" This scathing assessment has not only put Fernandes under the spotlight but also sent ripples through the entire club.
Despite these harsh words, Fernandes, who has already amassed 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions this season, regards the criticism as both hurtful and motivating. After the Leicester match, he responded to inquiries about Keane's comments, stating, "I think both. Obviously, it's not nice to hear bad things about you. I think no one likes it. But at the same time, it motivates and makes you feel there are things you have to improve." His ability to remain focused and productive under such scrutiny highlights his character and determination.
Fernandes acknowledged Keane's past success with Manchester United, saying, "I have huge respect for Roy Keane. I think he was one of the best captains at the club, an amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club." This recognition of Keane's achievements serves as a reminder of the high standards expected at Old Trafford.
Under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, who has also defended Fernandes, the team has managed to bounce back from the criticisms and rise to 13th place following their win against Leicester. Amorim commented, "Bruno is really important for us at the club. He's special for me. He's playing well in a difficult situation." His support reflects the importance of Fernandes’ contributions amid challenging times for the club.
The performances leading up to this point have certainly helped Fernandes retain his position as captain and leading playmaker. Just days before the Leicester game, he had delivered a standout performance against Real Sociedad by scoring a hat-trick during Manchester United’s Europa League 4-1 victory. This win not only booked them a spot in the quarter-finals against Lyon but also showcased Fernandes' capacity to influence big matches decisively.
Interestingly, his performances have raised opinions about the role of leadership within the team. Ian Wright, the well-known pundit who defended Fernandes during Keane’s criticisms, pointed out, "If Bruno's not there, United are in the relegation battle." This statement underlines the significance of Fernandes’ contributions, as his efforts are deemed pivotal for the club's current standing.
The upcoming fixtures will be challenging, as Manchester United prepares to face Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Lyon over the next few weeks. These encounters will be pivotal for the team’s aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League and turning their season around.
Fernandes’ reflections on his leadership indicate his awareness of the expectations on his shoulders. He remarked, "I do things in my own way to try to be the best, not just captain, but person and teammate I can. I do it every day. I try to be an example in everything I do, on the training sessions, on the pitch." His commitment to improving not just himself but to also uplift his teammates speaks volumes about his leadership style.
Despite the doubts cast by figures like Keane, Fernandes continues to push through, focusing on building his game and the morale of his teammates. The road to restoring Manchester United to its former glory is fraught with challenges, yet Fernandes believes there’s significant room for improvement and growth.
While the feedback from experienced individuals like Keane is invaluable, it is clear Fernandes is committed to forging his own path. The support from current management and fellow players showcases the collective effort required to navigate through adversity.
Manchester United fans remain hopeful as they look forward to the remainder of the season, particularly with players like Fernandes showing significant potential to rise above criticism and lead their team with passion and commitment. The upcoming matches will be the true test of whether their recent performances can translate to success on the pitch and restore pride to the club.
