MAN UTD icon Rio Ferdinand has responded to Roy Keane’s fierce criticism of current club captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Cork icon launched a blistering attack on Fernandes before United’s 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday.
Former Ireland and Red Devils’ skipper Keane questioned the Portuguese skipper’s leadership qualities despite his consistent impact in front of goal.
Fernandes scored his 16th goal of the season vs Leicester City last Sunday, which came after he had provided his 14th and 15th assists of the 2024/5 campaign.
But during a heated debate on the Stick to Football Podcast, Keane dismissed Fernandes’ credentials as a captain.
Keano insistied that talent alone is not enough, and arguing that he lacks the drive to rally his teammates.
The Irish legend said: “People pretend to be closing people down. Talent is not enough. Bruno is a talented player, but talent is not enough.
“It’s not enough, Wrighty. Bruno is not a fighter. You want someone going, ‘lads, are you with me? Are you with me?’”
When Ian Wright suggested that Fernandes had been saving United with his performances, Keane hit back by saying, “What’s he saving? What’s he saving? 2-2 at Everton?”
Following United’s convincing win at the King Power Stadium, Ferdinand weighed in on the debate on his ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast’.
The former England and Utd centre-half reckons Keane’s no-nonsense leadership style would struggle to resonate with any modern players.
Rio said: “I think players today would just shut down with someone like Roy.
“I saw Roy, even with players who weren’t in the first team, almost end their careers before they started with some of the things he said.
“His tongue was poisonous at times.”
Ferdinand gave an example of an incident Keane had with former United youngster Michael Stewart.
He added: “I remember Roy saying to him one day, ‘In a couple of years, do you know where you’re gonna be? – You’re gonna be a pub team player.’
“He was looking at Roy – probably his hero – and Roy just destroyed him. I saw the life drain out of his body.”
After scoring his eighth Premier League goal of the season in the win at the King Power stadium, Fernandes addressed Keane’s criticism.
The current Utd skipper admitted the icon’s words had given him extra motivation in a post-game interview with Sky Sports.
Bruno said: “Obviously, it’s not nice to hear those things about you—no one likes that.
“But at the same time, it motivates you and makes you think about areas where you can improve.”
Despite Keane’s brutal words about Fernandes, the Portugal star expressed his admiration for the Irishman.
He added: “I have huge respect for Roy Keane. He was one of the best captains the club has had.
“He was an amazing player who won basically everything,” he said.
“I try to be an example in everything I do—whether in training or on the pitch.
“Not everyone will like it, and I respect everyone’s opinion. But I know there is still a lot of room for improvement in my game and leadership.”
