'It's just soundbites' - Roy Keane rips Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes for his reaction to Red Devils' thumping by Newcastle

Harvey Barnes starred with a brace, while Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes scored a goal each as Newcastle registered a thumping 4-1 win over United at home in the Premier League on Sunday. After the game, club captain Fernandes reacted to the defeat as he told Sky Sports, "We are in this position because we have not been consistent in the performances we put out. We lack being more fearless, being more brave. Today was not the case because we ended up conceding goals by trying to be brave. It's easy to criticise because this club has never suffered like this, so it's normal. You have to be aware you play for United and criticism will be there. Our fans have been there all season during bad moments, today they were there at the end trying to cheer us up. It is time we give something back."

In response to the Portuguese's reaction, Keane told Sky: "It is not easy and, to be fair to Bruno, he does front up and the club push him out because he is the best player and captain. To me, it is just soundbites from him now. Let’s hope they win on Thursday by the way - that’s all they are talking about. Lyon are sixth in the French league, I fully expect United to beat Lyon.

"He's talking about his teammates there and belief, but what about his right back who didn't put a leg up or try and tackle for the goal from Dalot? I hope he's pulling him into the dressing room, because he keeps talking about belief in the players and my teammates. A really good teammate puts their hands on each other, whether that's on the pitch or in the dressing room or on the training ground during the week."

Keane added: "When I listen to Bruno, and I have been harsh on Bruno, he is an amazing player. But I still have question marks about his leadership. He is certainly not getting enough help. It must be tough playing in that midfield when there are expectations on him to turn up week in, week out. That's unfair on him. Because when you are playing for a big club like Man United, you need a helping hand. But no one is doing these chats about the supporters and all this. Again, to me, it's just soundbites. There's not even meaning to it.

"Because I don't know how we can listen to the Man United players doing interviews anymore, because I'm not sure they're an honest group. So why should we listen to them? I don't think we're going to get real honesty from this group of players when we're not seeing it week in, week out."

Ruben Amorim's side will now aim to beat Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final fixture on Thursday at home and qualify for the last-four stage.