Keane’s Tough Words for Fernandes
Roy Keane and Ian Wright recently debated Bruno Fernandes’ performance at Manchester United. Keane didn’t hold back with his criticism. He slammed the Portuguese midfielder, saying Fernandes’ skills alone just aren’t cutting it. Keane Unleashes Scathing Criticism on Fernandes.
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Fernandes was picked as club captain in July 2023. He’s seen as one of United’s best signings since Sir Alex Ferguson left. Despite recent praise from coach Ruben Amorim after a big win against Ipswich and a draw with Everton, Keane is still not convinced.
On The Overlap podcast, Keane shrugged off any idea that Fernandes was saving the team, which is currently 14th in the Premier League. He expressed his frustration, saying:
“Save us? They’re 15th in the league and he’s saving them? Praise the lord.”
Keane Questions Fernandes’ Leadership
Keane talked about more than just Fernandes’ playing skills. He stressed that being a captain is about showing real leadership. Though he admits Fernandes is talented, he feels that’s not enough.
“You have to have a starting point. I go back to it all – talent is not enough. Bruno’s a talented player, but talent’s not enough.”
Wright tried to defend Fernandes. He said without him, United might be in even worse trouble. This only made Keane more upset. He compared Fernandes to Tony Adams, a legendary Arsenal captain who he believes showed true leadership.
The Adams Comparison and Keane’s Definition of Leadership
Keane argued that Adams was a real leader because he had a fighting spirit, which he thinks Fernandes lacks. He mentioned that leadership is about more than just skill; it’s about setting a good example for others.
“You talk to me (about) who you were in a dressing room with. ‘Tony Adams was this, Tony Adams was that’. Yeah, because he was a fighter. Bruno’s not a fighter.”
He pointed out that young players need someone they can look up to, someone who will unite them in tough times.
“You’ve got young players. You have to look at somebody and go, ‘I like what he does.’ They all can’t put the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards, I get that. But you want someone who is going, ‘lads, are you with me?’”
When Wright said that United would be worse without Fernandes, Keane fired back. He insisted that true leadership comes from action, not just talent.
“Was Tony Adams the most talented player in that Arsenal dressing room? So, why do you look up to Tony Adams and go, ‘Listen, I’ve got a lot of time for him’? And what did he do with his leadership? Leadership is action. Leadership to me is about action.”
United’s Next Challenges
Despite all the criticism, Fernandes is still an important player for United. After their win against Ipswich, they’re set to face Fulham in the FA Cup this Sunday. Keane Unleashes Scathing Criticism on Fernandes.
Before long, they will head to Spain for a big match against Real Sociedad in the Europa League. With all the pressure on the team and Fernandes, he’ll need to show he can lead, not just play well.
