Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed he is using former captain Roy Keane's recent harsh criticism as inspiration and has hit back at co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over his comments about “overpaid” players.
The 30-year-old has become the most successful signing of the post-Ferguson era and stands out as one of the few bright spots in a season most would rather forget.
United captain Fernandes continued his fine form with a hat-trick in Thursday's 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, which ensured they progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals against Lyon in a 5-2 aggregate victory.
It means he still has a chance of lifting the trophy at the end of a disappointing season that has seen former captain Keane recently angrily claim the Portuguese is “not a fighter” and that “talent alone is not enough”.
When asked if he thought criticism from United players from another era was unfair, Fernandes replied: “No, everyone has their own opinion and that's fine.
“I can't change people's opinions. All I have to do is go out on the pitch and try to do my best for the club.
“Roy Keane was an outstanding captain of the club, one of the best as everyone says. I didn't get a chance to see him in action for long, only in the last few years, but he was a great player who won everything for the club.
“He has the utmost respect from everyone and has all my respect. He has the right to express his opinion on the program and this is what he thinks of me.
“What I do on the pitch is to change his mind or do something that he probably thinks is worthy. Obviously, I do it my way, not trying to copy anyone.
“I try to be the best captain for my teammates, I try to help everyone as much as I can and as best I can.
“I have room to grow, not only as a captain, but also as a player, as a person, as a human being – and that’s okay.
“Criticism will always be a part (of the game) and it will help me grow and realize what I still have to do
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
