Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes asked for Roy Keane’s phone number after criticizing the Portuguese star’s attitude in a recent Premier League match.
Bruno Fernandes strikes out
Manager Bruno Fernandes has hit back at Roy Keane and revealed he asked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the former Manchester United midfielder’s phone number following his recent criticism. Keane accused Fernandes of saying he was focused on providing an assist to claim a Premier League record rather than a shot, when the Portuguese midfielder had actually said the opposite.
Fernandes, 31, broke the record with his 21st assist on the final day of the season, scoring a header against Brighton from Patrick Dorg’s cross. The United captain had previously equaled the record set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne against Nottingham Forest.
What frustrated Keane was United’s last game at Old Trafford in 2025/26, against Forest. However, the pundits misunderstood Fernandes’ words after the match and irritated the Red Devils star with his “lies”.
Mr Fernandes told Stephen Bartlett: “I don’t care about the criticism.” “I always accept criticism from everyone, but I never reply to anyone. People have opinions, whether it’s good or bad, whatever.
“What I don’t like is when people lie about things. In this case, what you said about Roy Keane, basically what he said is a lie. Luckily for me everything is on record, but if it wasn’t then people would think Bruno is the player who always goes for the assist.”
read more: Michael Carrick answers questions about Bruno Fernandes leaving Manchester this summerread more: Amount earned by each Premier League team this season with final rankings confirmed
“I even called Ole to send him a message saying, ‘I don’t care about the criticism. I don’t like it when people lie about what I say. This goes beyond what I think is acceptable and I’d like to have a word with you.'”
Keane previously aired his frustrations on the Stick to Football podcast. The Irishman was unhappy with the club’s focus on securing Fernandes’ Premier League single-season assists record.
“When you’re the captain of the club and you have to take the club forward, don’t just think about your role in the team and just assist,” Keane said.
Bruno Fernandes has provided a league record 21 assists this season (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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“What I heard at United at the weekend was honestly upsetting. The whole conversation about his assist… everyone, the players were[talking about it]and the game was about his assist. That’s what it’s all about.”
“After the game, he was interviewed and the Manchester United captain said: “A few times, I probably should have taken a shot, but I passed it.” Wow. How can you have a mindset where you care about your personal record rather than winning the match? ”
Fernandes helped United finish third in the Premier League this season, with the club aiming to return to Champions League football. The talisman only has one year left on his contract, but United have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
Manager Michael Carrick expects Fernandes to remain at the club. “There’s no reason to think otherwise,” he said.
“We love what he’s done so far and he loves being here. You can see that. He wanted to stay (on the pitch). He wants to stay in every game because he enjoys his football. That’s great.”
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