Bruno Fernandes celebrating his goal at Leicester
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes hit back at Roy Keane after criticism of his performances while wearing the armband this season.
Former skipper Keane has been vocal in his criticism of Fernandes during a tough season for player and club. The Irishman used the word "imposter" when discussing the Portuguese international, who has worn the armband while failing to lift United out of the bottom half.
Things have picked up of late under head coach Ruben Amorim, though. Fernandes scored a hat-trick as the Red Devils eliminated Real Sociedad from the Europa League and was at the heart of things once more as Amorim's team beat Leicester on Sunday.
After laying on the opener for Rasmus Hojlund at the King Power Stadium, United's number eight also scored the final goal in a 3-0 win. And, after the victory, he gave a pointed response in the light of Keane's February comments.
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"Obviously I know you're talking about Roy Keane," Fernandes told Sky Sports when asked about criticism. "I've said it before, I have huge respect for Roy Keane - I think he was one of the best captains the club has had, an amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club.
"It's the way he thinks, it's the idea he has about me as a player, as a captain, and I have to respect that. Obviously I do the things in my own way to try to be the best - not captain, but person and team-mate - as I can.
"I do it every day, I try to be an example in everything I do in the training sessions, on the pitch, in everything I do, but not everyone will like [that], not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone. And as I said, I have huge respect for Roy Keane and I accept there is a lot of margin for improvement in my game, in my leadership, in everything I do - even in my own life."
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Fernandes also had a part in Rasmus Hojlund's opener
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Amorim was asked what Fernandes provided on Sunday evening. "What we see every week. But the most important thing is the work he puts in every week," the boss said of his compatriot.
Amorim also gave an update on defender Ayden Heaven. The teenager left the field on a stretcher early in the second half, adding to United's growing injury list.
"It's hard to know because we have to evaluate during the week," Amorim said. "He already played well against Arsenal and Real Sociedad. Today for me was the most difficult game for him because we expect him to relax a bit, but he was so focused."
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