Bruno Fernandes has responded to criticism from former Manchester United F.C. captain Roy Keane, revealing that he even asked former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for Keane’s phone number following the recent comments.
Keane had criticised Fernandes after suggesting that the Portuguese midfielder was more concerned with registering an assist to break the Premier League assist record rather than attempting to score himself. Fernandes later clarified that his comments had been misunderstood and that he had actually expressed the opposite view.
The 31-year-old United captain broke the Premier League assist record on the final day of the season when his cross allowed Patrick Dorgu to score with a header against Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., marking his 21st assist of the campaign. Fernandes had previously drawn level with the record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne during the match against Nottingham Forest F.C. at Old Trafford.
It was Fernandes’ remarks after the Forest match that triggered Keane’s criticism, although the midfielder was left frustrated by what he described as a misrepresentation of his words.
“I don’t mind criticism,” Fernandes said, speaking to Steven Bartlett. “I always take criticism from everyone and never reply to anyone whatsoever. People have an opinion, they think it’s good, bad or whatever.
“What I don’t like is when people lie about things, and in this case, what you said about Roy Keane, basically, what he said is a lie. Luckily for me everything is on record, imagine if it wasn’t, then people will think Bruno is always the guy going for the assist.
Keane had previously vented his frustration on the Stick to Football podcast. The Irishman was frustrated with the club’s focus on Fernandes’ journey to claim the Premier League assist record for a single season.
“When you’re the captain of a club and you’re supposed to be driving the club forward, do not be getting bogged down by just your role in the team, just assists,” Keane said.
