Bruno Fernandes has answered his critics in the best possible way, scoring in Manchester United’s impressive 3-0 victory over Leicester City on March 16. The Portuguese midfielder has been under fire recently, particularly from club legend Roy Keane, who questioned his leadership abilities on the “Stick To Football” podcast.

Bruno Fernandes Leadership Questioned by Man Utd Legend

Keane didn’t hold back when discussing the current Man Utd captain, describing the team as “imposters” and suggesting Fernandes lacks the fighting spirit needed to lead the club. The former United skipper compared him unfavourably to Tony Adams, implying that talent alone isn’t enough for a captain.

“I just don’t see him as a leader, to be honest. He’s talented, but there’s more to being a captain than just skill,” said Keane on the podcast.

But is this criticism fair? Many football experts disagree with Keane’s assessment, including former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who defended Fernandes by saying United would be in a relegation battle without him.

Man Utd Captain Fernandes Answers Critics on the Pitch

The Man Utd skipper let his football do the talking at the King Power Stadium. Fernandes capped a brilliant team performance with a well-taken goal, adding to strikes from Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.

When asked about Keane’s comments after the match, Fernandes responded: “I do things my way. I respect his opinion because he was a great captain for this club, but I know there’s a lot of margin for improvement in my game and my leadership.”

What makes this response so perfect? It shows maturity while acknowledging room for growth – exactly what you want from a captain.

Bruno Fernandes Stats Show His Man Utd Value

The numbers don’t lie when it comes to Bruno’s contribution this season:

• 7 goals and 9 assists across all competitions
• Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have more Premier League goal involvements
• 80 assists in Europe’s top five leagues since his debut (second only to Kevin De Bruyne’s 90)

These statistics make Fernandes one of the most productive midfielders in world football. According to Tobibet, his odds of reaching double figures for both goals and assists this season have shortened considerably after this performance.

Manager Backing Shows Fernandes’s True Value

New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim has been quick to defend his captain amid the criticism. Speaking at a recent press conference, Amorim stated: “Bruno is really important for us in the club, especially for me. He’s playing well in a difficult context. He always wants the responsibility.”

This support highlights Fernandes’s importance beyond just his betting tips-worthy performances. His work ethic and recovery ability have been crucial during a challenging campaign that currently sees United sitting 13th.

The victory over Leicester, who are struggling in 19th place after losing seven consecutive home games without scoring (a record in English top-flight history), provides some relief for United fans. With their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon approaching, Fernandes’s leadership will be more important than ever as they look to salvage their season with a European trophy.

As United continue to rebuild under Amorim, the debate about Fernandes’s captaincy will likely continue. But for now, the Portuguese star is letting his performances speak for themselves – something even Roy Keane might eventually appreciate.