Roy Keane has argued that Bruno Fernandes should just focus on performing well against Man City instead of “disrespecting” his teammates.
This comes as a response to the Portuguese midfielder showing his frustrations on the pitch and when he is substituted.
Fernandes has 34 goals and 21 assists for Man United from his 62 appearances in all competitions.
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United have drawn five games against the so-called ‘big six’ 0-0 this season. Keane suggested that Fernandes and co. need to do more to help the Red Devils win these games.
The debate between Keane and Souness has been cited by The Mirror:
Keane: “In the big games, they’ve kept clean sheets and the players that play at the back and the two central midfielders, their job is to make sure you don’t lose the game.
“They’ve done that in some of the big games, they’ve kept clean sheets, so that’s a big positive.
“But for the attacking players, it’s your job to go and win the game. That’s your responsibility, it’s why you’re well paid.
“So don’t get that upset, I don’t know why they get upset when people are giving an opinion.”
Souness then claimed that Fernandes should keep his “head down” for United:
“He’s gone too early on it. I think anyone who understands football sees a real talent in him.
“I come back to the problem he’s faced with is he plays for Man United, he’s come for a big transfer fee. If I was him I’d just keeping my head down, and I think he will end up scoring against the big clubs.
“I think he’s an exceptional talent and you also look for little indications of what type of boy he is, he was a captain at Sporting Lisbon when he was a young man.
“That means he’s in the dressing room with guys that are maybe 10 years older, more experienced than him and they make him captain. I think that tells you a great deal about the boy himself.”
The Liverpool legend then asked Keane whether he would be happy at being subbed off and he replied:
“Well, I’d make sure it didn’t happen.
“When you’re walking off and one of your team-mates is coming on and you’re throwing your arms up in the air, that’s disrespectful to your team-mate. And you’re on about a leader!”
Souness: “You want to see that from your players.”
Keane: “If I was coming on and the player coming off is shaking his head, I’d feel disrespected, as if he’s saying, ‘I’m coming off for you?’
“You’d have a quiet word with him in the dressing room, and he’s done it a number of times, so he’s on about maturity and defending his team-mates, but show respect to your team-mates and when you do have a bad game, don’t be throwing your arms in the air when you’re substituted.”
Keane concluded the exchange by urging Fernandes to “just get on with it” against Man City:
“He added: We’ll watch him today against Man City, that’s it. It’s all about what you do on a football pitch.
“I know players are under pressure to do interviews and respond to criticism, but just get on with it.
“Don’t be such a baby. Focus on the game today and produce against a brilliant Man City team, end of story.
“If he does well, we praise him and if he doesn’t, he’d better be ready.”
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