Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has responded to former skipper Roy Keane’s comment about his leadership qualities by saying he tries to be the best leader on the pitch, Afrosport reports.
Despite being the most creative force at Old Trafford since his arrival in January 2020 with 94 goals and 79 assists in 276 competitive apperances, Keane does not think talent is enough, believing Fernades is not showing enough as a leader as he used to when he wore the armband between 1997 and 2005.
Fernandes however did not criticise Keane’s comments but rather waxed lyrical about the former Republic of Ireland midfielder while asserting he is not attempting to copy any player’s style.
“Roy Keane was an amazing captain for the club, one of the best as everyone says,” Fernandes said per BBC Sport.
“I didn’t have the chance to see much from him, only the last few years, but he was a great player that won everything for the club. He’s massively respected from everyone and has all my respect.
“He has to give his opinion in a programme and this is what he thinks about me.
“I don’t want to copy anyone. I try to be the best captain that I can for my team-mates and help everyone in the best way I know.”
Fernandes scored a hat-trick in United’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 16 second leg on Thursday, taking his tally to 41 goal involvements in the competition, the most by any player in history.
41 – Bruno Fernandes has the most goals and assists combined (24 goals, 17 assists) of any player in UEFA Europa League history. Superstar. pic.twitter.com/iYeJ00QZVR
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 13, 2025
United minority owner Jim Radcliffe was this week critical of players who were not doing enough yet were overpaid, naming the likes of Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, and Antony among others. Fernandes in his response to those comments said: “I don’t think any player likes to hear criticism or things that are talked about to you, that you’re not good enough or you’re overpaid or whatever.
“But everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to the contracts and it’s about proving that you can be important for the club.”
United will take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
