Roy Keane and Ian Wright clashed over Bruno Fernandes in a debate over whether he is a good influence in the Manchester United dressing room.
Fernandes, 29, has been United’s best signing since Robin van Persie, registering 143 goal contributions in 229 games since his 2020 transfer from Sporting Lisbon.
In what has been a chaotic campaign for the Reds, Fernandes has struggled at times but not for a lack of trying. The Portugal international continues to give his all and he’s finally starting to reach top form again.
Fernandes scored two goals and registered one assist in United’s 4-2 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday night.
However, Fernandes has faced more criticism since he was appointed as captain last summer.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright jumped to the defence of Fernandes but former United captain Roy Keane could not agree.
“I think Bruno is a winner,” Wright said on the Stick to Football podcast, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“He’s frustrated. Whatever we say, he has his faults where he waves his arms but he’s the kind of player that is trying (to change things).”
Keane replied: “He’s won nothing in his career, he’s 29 years of age. What has he won in his career?”
Wright replied: “(I appreciate) he’s won nothing. But, irrespective of wanting to be a winner, his standards are high.
“If you take Bruno out of Man United we’re talking about players who haven’t improved. If he’s not doing what he’s doing United are nowhere near where they are.”
United would be in even bigger trouble this season if it wasn’t for Fernandes.
That said, his antics at times can raise eyebrows.
Wright added: “He’s frustrated, he probably sees it in training every day, people not up to the standards of what he’s looking for and it spills over into a Saturday.
“Because he (still) brings ‘it’ when we say about his histrionics, he brings it. If Man United are saved in a game it’s probably him who’s going to do it. He’s got every right to be upset with them because they should be doing better.”
Keane then admitted that he can appreciate Fernandes’ qualities as a player, but questioned his impact on Ten Hag’s side more generally, despite being one of the Dutchman’s most reliable players given he is always available for selection.
“I think he is a talented boy,” Keane said. “But does he help people out and does he make others around him better?
“The answer is 100 per cent no. He does like to dig them out, which is fine, but you’ve also got to drag the others along.
“Would you like to be in that United dressing room today with these guys going… ‘not sure about him, I think he’s OK when we’re winning but we’re not going to be winning every time’.
“How do you stop that momentum and flex your muscles in games? That’s what I want.
“We talk about talented players but sometimes it’s about personalities in big games and getting you over the line in big games.”
Wright continued: “Bruno has got that,’ before the Irishman retorted: ‘Where is the evidence? Where is the evidence?”
“The way he plays and the way he saves the club.”
The final comment riled up Keane, who said: “Saves the club? Look, he’s won nothing in his career. He’s won nothing in his career. Look at his CV. if he’s one of your best players there’s a responsibility.”
More must-reads: