Bruno Fernandes slams Keane over ‘false’ criticism

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has accused former club skipper Roy Keane of lying about comments linked to his Premier League single-season assist record.

Fernandes set a new record of 21 assists in the Premier League this season after creating Patrick Dorgu’s goal in United’s 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

The Portugal international had equalled the previous record, jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, during United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest F.C. a week earlier.

However, Keane criticised Fernandes for allegedly prioritising personal achievements over team success, describing the situation as part of a “circus act”.

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Keane claimed Fernandes admitted he had passed instead of shooting in pursuit of the assist record.

“After the Forest game, he got interviewed, and he said the captain of Manchester United said, ‘A few times, I probably should have shot, but I made those passes,’” Keane said.

“Wow. How can your mindset as a footballer going into a match be about an individual record? He won’t be winning trophies, not with that mindset of the team.”

But Fernandes insisted Keane had misrepresented his words.

The midfielder clarified that his actual comment after the Forest game was, “There were probably moments today when I should have passed instead of shot.

“I’m very happy for the assist, but more than that, I’m happy for the win and to finish the season on a high.”

Responding to Keane’s criticism during an appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Fernandes strongly rejected the former midfielder’s interpretation.

“As I’ve always said, I don’t mind criticism,” Fernandes said.

“What I don’t like is when people lie about things, and in this case, what Roy Keane said is a lie.

“Either he saw some other interview, or he can’t say that I said one thing that I’ve just not said, and luckily for me, everything is on record.”

Fernandes added that while he respects Keane’s achievements and opinions, he was unhappy that the former United captain had attributed false comments to him.

“I accept that he might like me as a player or not, like me as a person or not,” Fernandes added.

“But what I don’t like is that he puts words in my mouth that have not been said.”

The 31-year-old enjoyed a remarkable individual campaign, helping United finish third in the Premier League while also winning both the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season awards.