Sports

Bruno Fernandes answers back after Roy Keane’s remarks

Joel Masibo 20th May, 2026 03:50 PM

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has addressed criticism from former club captain Roy Keane regarding his chase for the Premier League assist milestone, insisting that the team’s success will always matter more to him than personal achievements.

Fernandes registered his 20th league assist of the campaign when he provided the pass for Bryan Mbeumo during United’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The Portuguese midfielder is now within touching distance of surpassing the single-season assist mark jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the club’s final fixture against Brighton.

Manchester United's captain Bruno Fernandes applauds fans after the Newcastle United defeat. PHOTO/@ManUtd/X — Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes applauds fans after the Newcastle United defeat. PHOTO/@ManUtd/X

Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane criticised the sequence that led to Fernandes matching the record during the tense contest with Forest, labelling it a “circus act” as United had not yet fully secured the win.

Fernandes answers back

Reacting to those comments while speaking to Sky Sports News at the Football Writers’ Awards, Fernandes said: “It is not something that I will ever chase. I know people can have different opinions about me but they cannot say that I am not someone that looks to [help] the team and tries to make the team the most successful one,” Fernandes said.

“I will always try to win trophies and not individual accolades.”

The Portuguese playmaker has registered eight goals and 20 assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils this term. He secured 45 per cent of the votes cast by more than 900 FWA members. Fernandes edged out Declan Rice of Arsenal by 28 votes, while Erling Haaland from Manchester City finished third in the standings.

Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko celebrate Manchester United’s second goal against Brentford. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/manchesterunited

The 31-year-old has been instrumental in United’s improved displays since interim manager Michael Carrick took charge. Although the club is expected to end the campaign without silverware for a second straight year, they remain on track for a third-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The midfielder arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting CP in January 2020 in a deal worth £67.7 million and recently marked his 300th appearance for the club.