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Keane blasts ‘baby’ Fernandes over defensive comments

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Roy Keane has hit at Bruno Fernandes after the United star defended himself against criticism regarding performances against ‘big six’ sides.

Roy Keane has taken a swipe at Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder gave a rather revealing interview that saw him defend himself against criticism.

Without a doubt, the Portuguese star has been nothing short of influential since he made his debut for Manchester United.

Fernandes has registered 40 goal involvements through 41 appearances for the Red Devils.

However, the jury remains out on the 26-year-old for his involvement or lack of it against the ‘top six’ sides.

Fernandes has just one non-penalty effort this season across eight outings against other Premier League heavyweights Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.

After recent criticism, the United star defended his performances in those games during an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

Fernandes said: “I don’t know what people mean by ‘top six’, because the teams are in top six in the table. I score and assist against some of them. I score this season against Tottenham. But some people say penalties don’t count!”

“I know people expect Bruno to score or assist in every game because when I arrived, I was playing really well. If you see my stats, everyone is thinking that Bruno has to score in every game, Bruno has to assist in every game.”

“And I want to do that – it’s the most important thing. But as a player, I don’t look for the big six or the rest of the league. I look for every game in the same way.”

Roy Keane has now come at Fernandes for making such statements. In the opinion of the United legend, the Portuguese is disrespecting his teammates.

“Bizarre. Lot of nonsense there. Talking about a lot of stats. Get on with the football,” the Sky Sports pundit said.

“I don’t know why these players worry about ex-players and pundits, just get on with it.”

“Nobody is saying Fernandes has not done well. He’s been brilliant. But if you are playing for Manchester United and not performing in the big games of course you are going to be criticized.”

“He talks about wanting to win league titles, he has never won one. So it is difficult for him. It is all new to him.”

“He is right in a sense that when Man United play badly he does get criticised but other lads have to turn up as well, of course we can’t just say it is up to him.”

“He is a big player for them and if he doesn’t turn up in the big games he is going to get criticised obviously.”

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