Roy Keane lifted the lid on a private conversation with Bruno Fernandes, putting aside his long history of public criticism aimed at the current Manchester United captain.
Right up until now, Roy Keane has been brutal in his criticism of Bruno Fernandes.
Keane’s criticisms have led to many Manchester United fans accusing the Irishman of being bitter towards a player who warrants praise for being the team’s talisman for years, on top of breaking the Premier League record for registering the most assists (21) in a single season.
Regardless of what Keane has had to say, Fernandes was voted Premier League Player of the Year for his performances throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Roy Keane says Bruno Fernandes called him up after his latest comments – Do you think the Irishman will change his punditry style?
Roy Keane has changed his tune on Bruno Fernandes
Keane’s latest Fernandes rant came a month ago when the 54-year-old took issue with the Portugal international chasing the Premier League assist record.
In defence, Fernandes responded to Keane’s remarks by stressing he doesn’t appreciate it when “people lie about things that I say”. It was a clear reply to the ex-United captain, but the pair have since cleared the air.
This week, Keane revealed he had a ‘lovely’ chat with Fernandes over a phone call, after the Portuguese star reached out to him. They chatted about everything from football, leadership, control, passing, and statistics.
Although it has taken a while, it shows that one proper conversation with Fernandes has opened Keane’s eyes to his character. Only time will tell if he’ll be extra critical of the United star at the 2026 World Cup and next season when he’s playing for the Red Devils again.
It’s almost a subversion of expectations. Instead of throwing darts from a TV and podcast studio, Keane spoke to Fernandes one-on-one.
Fernandes’ willingness to address the issue with Keane, as well as the Irishman’s reaction, shows a level of mutual respect.
Hopefully, it wakes Keane up to improve himself as a pundit because this conversation should have happened a long time ago.
It can’t be easy when a club legend is criticising your performances even when you are playing well, let alone misquoting him on a recent episode of The Overlap podcast. Keane should do better, but we may be seeing more positive signs from the Irishman as a pundit who regularly talks about United.
We have picked our ULTIMATE MAN UTD WORLD CUP XI – Tell us what you would change?
Criteria: They don't need to have been playing for Man Utd at the time of their World Cup heroics
Bruno Fernandes has one more friendly before World Cup
Portugal take on Nigeria in their final friendly match before their World Cup campaign begins.
Fernandes and Diogo Dalot could both be in action for Roberto Martinez’s side.
Portugal will face DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.
Fernandes will be hoping to lead Portugal all the way this summer.
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