Roy Keane is no stranger to dividing people with his opinions, but the Irishman's views on Bruno Fernandes have been criticised by a former Manchester United team-mate
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Updated 11:28, 25 Mar 2025
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: ITV Pundit Roy Keane during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park on February 07, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Roy Keane's opinions are often met with a backlash(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Louis Saha has warned Roy Keane that his scathing opinion of Bruno Fernandes could cause the Portuguese midfielder to leave Manchester United. Keane is often quick to criticise the United skipper, particularly after Erik ten Hag stripped the captaincy of Harry Maguire and gave it to the midfielder.
In February, Keane unleashed an explosive rant on Fernandes and other United stars, describing them as "f***ing impostors". It was not the first time the ex-skipper had blasted Fernandes' contributions.
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The Irishman has also accused him of moaning and gesticulating at referees too much. Considering all of his former team-mate's opinions, Saha - who is now a business mogul in charge of a company worth £4.3 billion - believes Keane often goes too far with his opinions.
Speaking to Genting Casino, Saha warned the Irishman that Fernandes may feel like he is being hounded out the door, saying: "He [Fernandes] could be tempted [to leave] because yes, he has proved over the years that he plays to a certain standard. I always come to the defence of Bruno because, as I said, I try to explain what I see and I think it's completely unfair.
"It's interesting that Roy Keane has criticised him. I understand and I respect his point because he knows his position. He knows what leaders need to do. That's not easy when you are a fan, you criticise harshly.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 7: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United gestures during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on February 7, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
"But I would still say it is harsh, because Bruno deserves respect, and as a human being you make mistakes and all sorts. But I think he has too much weight on his shoulders and at some point he may consider other opportunities.
"Whenever he talks, I don't see someone that just wants to play for the club as much as he can. He is really loyal. He seems to be a very loyal player. So I do think that he will be likely to stay."
Despite another season where United have had their ups and downs, Fernandes has been a standout performer with an impressive tally of 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. His recent form has seen him directly contribute to six goals in his last four League games.
Former footballer and BBC pundit Louis Saha giving analysis ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 23, 2023 in London, England
Saha is now a multi-billionaire(Image: Getty Images)
While he is not on the pitch any more, Saha is scoring many goals in the world of business. After retiring in 2013, Saha dove headfirst into the business world. His venture, AxiStars, which identifies as a 'Global Support Network for Pro-Talent' has amassed a net worth of £4.3bn.
Alongside co-founder Kate Hamer, they've catapulted the firm's worth to eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo's £600m fortune, attracting over 550 former pros to their ranks. Explaining the business in an interview with the Guardian in 2017, Saha said: "I still get asked for advice by different people on a daily basis.
"For instance, my agent called me to say he had a talented French footballer who he wants to bring to England, and asked me for advice on how to create a tailor-made training programme. I put him in touch with people I used to work with. This kind of player could join Axis as he can then search for a personal coach in his region. It is a hard process but it's so rewarding, because if I can help 100,000 people, it's the best thing I've ever done."
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