Bruno Fernandes Responds to Roy Keane’s Criticism, Vows to Lead in His Own Way

Bruno Fernandes on Keane’s Criticism: ‘I Respect Him, But I Lead My Way

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has responded to criticism from former club skipper Roy Keane, asserting that he respects Keane’s opinion but prefers to lead in his own style. The Portuguese midfielder made these remarks following his standout performance in United’s 3-0 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Keane, known for his hard-nosed leadership during his time at United, recently criticised Fernandes’ work rate on the “Stick to Football” podcast. The 30-year-old has often been scrutinised for his on-field demeanor, including frequent gestures and complaints that have divided opinion among fans and pundits.

“I do things in my own way,” Fernandes told Sky Sports. “Obviously, it’s not nice to hear those things about you, but at the same time, it motivates you. People think there’s a lot of things you need to improve.”

Despite the criticism, Fernandes emphasized his willingness to grow as a leader and player. “Obviously not everything I do everyone will like or think in the same way, and I respect everyone’s opinion. I have huge respect for Roy Keane, and I accept there’s a lot of margin for improvement in my game, in my leadership, and everything I do in my life.”

Fernandes’ performance against Leicester was a testament to his impact on the team, as he scored a goal and provided two assists, earning the Man of the Match award. His overall contributions this season have been significant, with 16 goals and 15 assists across 44 appearances in all competitions.

United manager Ruben Amorim praised his captain’s resilience and work ethic. “He’s a special guy in that aspect; he is always ready, he can recover quite well. I don’t know the future, but I’m reading what the performance department tells me, the numbers, and then what I see in the game. I always see a Bruno that is dangerous and one who can recover in every situation. So he is going to stay there,” Amorim said.

Manchester United currently sit 13th in the Premier League table with 37 points from 29 matches. As the season progresses, Fernandes remains determined to prove his critics wrong while continuing to lead his team in his own distinct manner.