'I know you're talking about Roy Keane' - Bruno Fernandes responds to criticism from legendary former Man Utd captain after Irishman claimed his 'talent is not enough'

Speaking after Manchester United's 3-0 win against Leicester City on Sunday, Fernandes addressed recent criticism of his captaincy. The Portuguese midfielder was keen to stress his respect for Keane, who last month took aim at his ability to inspire his team-mates, but admitted that he uses the Irishman's words as motivation.

Fernandes was named club captain by Erik ten Hag at the start of the 2023/24 season after the Dutchman stripped Harry Maguire of the armband. Whilst the Portuguese international is widely regarded as one of United's most important players, his temperament has been questioned in recent weeks.

Former Red Devils captain Keane has been particularly critical of Fernandes' on-field behaviour at times, saying last month: "Talent is not enough! You keep going back to talent - Bruno's a talented player, but it's not enough!. Who were you (Ian Wright) in the dressing room with, Tony Adams! Tony Adams was this, Tony Adams was that, because he was a fighter!

"You've got young players who have to look at somebody and go 'I like what he does'. They all can't put the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards, I get that, but you want someone who's going 'Lads, are you with me? Are you with me?'"

When asked about criticism from pundits in recent weeks, Fernandes told Sky Sports: "Obviously, it's not nice to hear those things about you, I think no one likes that. But at the same time, it motivates and makes you think people think there's a lot of things you have to improve.

"You have to take it in a positive way, and think whatever people are saying, if there's a margin for improvement or not. I know you're talking about Roy Keane. I have huge respect for Roy Keane. I think he was one of the best captains the club had. An amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club.

"It's the way he thinks about me as a player, as a captain. I have to respect that. I try to do the things in my own way to be not the best captain but person and team-mate as I can. I do it every day. I try to be an example in everything I do in the training sessions, on the pitch.

"But obviously, not everyone will like (it), not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone. I have to accept there is a lot of margin for improvement in my game and my leadership."

United's win against Leicester was their last Premier League game before the international break. Fernandes will be hoping to lead Portugal to victory over Denmark in their two-legged Nations League quarter-final this week before returning to his club for a trip to Nottingham Forest and huge derby with rivals Manchester City.