Bruno Fernandes says he respects Manchester United legend Roy Keane after his recent pointed criticism of the cuurent captain.
Fernandes scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad as United booked a place in the last eight of the Europa League.
But Keane – who won 12 major honours at United – called into question Fernandes’ qualities recently, saying he was “not a fighter” and that “talent is not enough”.
Asked if such criticism was unfair from United players of a different era, Fernandes said: “No, everyone has an opinion and that’s fine.
"Talent's not enough to play for a big club!" 😡
Roy and Wrighty clash over Bruno Fernandes’ impact as Man Utd captain! 😳
Is this the most explosive moment in Stick to Football history? 👀 pic.twitter.com/vzSQNcRIWV
— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) February 27, 2025
“I can’t change the mind of people. Like everything I have to do is go on the pitch and try to do the best I can for the club.
“Roy Keane was an amazing captain for the club, one of the best as everyone says. I didn’t have the chance to see much from him, only the last few years, but 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.
“What I’m doing on the pitch to try to change his mind or trying to do something that he probably sees as a good thing. Obviously, I do it in my own way, I don’t want to copy anyone.
“I try to be the best captain that I can for my team-mates, I try to help everyone in the best way I can and the best way I know.
“I have a lot of things to improve, not only as a captain but as a player, as a person, as a human being – and that’s fine.
“Criticism is going to be always part (of the game) and it’s going to make me grow and understand that there’s still a long way to go.”
