Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s “circus act” accusation vs. Forest | OneFootball

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has responded to Roy Keane’s scathing accusation that he was far more concerned with the assist record than winning Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest.

Furious tirade

Fernandes’ assist for Bryan Mbeumo during the 3-2 victory over Forest saw him reach 20 assists for the season.

In doing so, he equalled Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s all-time Premier League assist record. With one game left to play, there is every chance that Fernandes could surpass the duo and stand on his own as the top flight’s undisputed assist king.

Had it not been for the profligacy of certain teammates in front of goal, however, Fernandes might have already broken the record. The Portugal international fashioned clear-cut opportunities for the likes of Mbeumo and Joshua Zirkzee, most of which went begging.

But his efforts were not appreciated by everyone, most notably Keane. The Irishman launched an angry rant, accusing Fernandes of thinking more about the assist record than winning the game. The ex-United branded the whole thing a “circus act.”

Keane said that he was “raging” at what he was watching, while also questioning Fernandes’ commitment to the team in comparison to his desire for personal accolades. Fernandes has now rubbished such suggestions in a clear response to the bitter 54-year-old.

Fernandes’ response

Speaking to Sky Sports after collecting his Footballer of the Year prize at the Football Writers’ Awards ceremony, Fernandes remarked, “It is not something that I will ever chase.”

“I know people can have different opinions about me, but they cannot say that I am not someone that looks to [help] the team and tries to make the team the most successful one.”

“I will always try to win trophies and not individual accolades.”

Fernandes also opened up on Michael Carrick’s impact since his arrival at the start of the year. According to Fernandes, a change was needed, although he refused to clearly explain why.

“When the change was made we were not far from what we wanted [to achieve] this season. That was the top four. At the same time, it was in need of change by the club for different reasons – I won’t be naming them now.”

He continued, “Michael came in with a big personality but also with a lot of calmness about what he needed to do to bring the best out of the team and he did it in the best way.”

“For myself it was a great end of the season. I got to really enjoy the football I was playing and most importantly, the team was getting results.”

“Me and the boss spoke before, and we said we can play better, we want to play better. We didn’t achieve the level we want to have but since he came the results show we were one of the best teams in the Premier League.”

13 of Fernandes’ 20 assists have come under Carrick.

Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

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