Soccer

    Former Man Utd skipper Roy Keane says Bruno Fernandes 'not captaincy material'

    Oscar SandersOscar Sanders30 October 2023
    Antony and Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford

    Antony and Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford

    Roy Keane insisted Bruno Fernandes should be stripped of the Manchester United captaincy after they were outclassed by Manchester City in a one-sided derby at Old Trafford.

    Erling Haaland struck from the penalty spot after 26 minutes and then headed home shortly after the interval before Phil Foden put an emphatic stamp on a 3-0 victory for Pep Guardiola's visitors.

    While City laid down a marker in their Premier League title defence, United's defeat was their fifth in just 10 matches this season and left them 11 points adrift of leaders Tottenham.

    Assessing what United can do immediately in an attempt to rectify their failings amid a turbulent time for the club both on and off the field, former skipper Keane suggested taking the armband off Fernandes, who assumed the role from out-of-favour defender Harry Maguire ahead of the campaign.

    Keane, who captained United from 1997 to 2005 during one of the club's most successful periods, told Sky Sports: "After today, having watched him again, I would definitely take the captaincy off him.

    "One hundred per cent. I know it's a big decision, they've changed the captaincy with Maguire. But Fernandes is not captaincy material.

    "I think he's talented player, no doubt about it, but what I saw today…his whinging, his moaning, his throwing his arms up in the air constantly, it really isn't acceptable.

    "What we saw today, I would take that off him. The manager is capable of doing that. He's the opposite to what I would want in a captain."

    READ MORE: Erling Haaland at the double as Man City ease past derby rivals Man Utd

    Recommended Offers

    betting card

    £30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins

    New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
    betting card

    Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus

    New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
    betting card

    Get £10 in Free Bets

    New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad