Bruno Fernandes has come in for criticism from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane but both men have come in for criticism from other United old boys this week
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Bruno Fernandes ahead of Leicester City vs Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes experienced a resurgence before the international break
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Manchester United's fortunes for the remainder of the season could rest on how well Bruno Fernandes is able to lead by example. The captain scored a crucial hat-trick against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, and followed it with a big performance against Leicester City to send United into the international break with three points.
Fernandes and his team-mates have come in for criticism at times this term, not least from former skipper Roy Keane. However, recent results have given them a platform on which to build.
United will take on Lyon in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, with either Rangers or Athletic Club awaiting the winners. With Ruben Amorim's side now out of the FA Cup and 10 points below seventh-placed Brighton in the league, success in Europe represents their best chance of European qualfiication.
The international break has provided an opportunity for some players to get a bit of a rest, while others have been busy for their national sides. Fernandes played the full 120 minutes for Portugal in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final, where they needed extra-time to claim a 5-3 aggregate victory over Denmark.
As we approach the return of domestic football, United's captain remains the subject of discussion. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines from around Old Trafford.
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Fernandes handed warning
Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson has been impressed with Bruno Fernandes' resurgence in the second half of the season but still feels the Portuguese has work to do. "I hope that he stays away from the rolling over when he gets tackled and that sort of thing," Robson said via betselect
"But he's coming into his own as a captain. I think the manager has told him you've got to be a leader on the pitch. You can see him talking to people now, saying, 'This is what we're doing because this is what the manager wants'.
Bruno Fernandes applauding after his hat-trick against Real Sociedad
Fernandes applauding after his hat-trick against Real Sociedad
"He looks as if he's encouraging the players and saying, 'You should be in this position or that position'. I hope he keeps continuing to do that because you've got to."
Keane put in check
Roy Keane's former team-mate Louis Saha has called out the Irishman over his recent comments about the current Manchester United crop. Saha told Genting Casino he would understand if Fernandes chose to leave United, having some in for significant criticism from the ex-captain.
"It's interesting that Roy Keane has criticised him," Saha said. "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.
Roy Keane speaking on Sky Sports
Roy Keane has been vocal about Manchester United's players
"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."
Sancho move takes turn
Jadon Sancho during Arsenal vs Chelsea
Jadon Sancho's loan at Chelsea runs until the end of the season
Jadon Sancho is eyeing up a shock return to Borussia Dortmund, it has been claimed. Earlier in the week, it emerged that Chelsea are expected to exercise their obligation to buy the Manchester United star at the end of the season, but he might not stay at Stamford Bridge for long.
According to Bild, Sancho has submitted a 'transfer request' to his management in an effort to rejoin Dortmund for a third spell. The publication claims his desire to move back to Germany is growing by the day.
Sancho made his senior debut with Dortmund after coming through the Manchester City academy, scoring 50 goals in 137 games for the club before making a £73million Manchester United switch in 2021. He returned to Signal Iduna Park on loan last season, playing 21 times for the Champions League finalists.
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