ROY KEANE and Ian Wright got embroiled in a heated debate over Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes, 29, has cut quite the controversial figure amid United‘s turbulent campaign as although he has stood out on the pitch he still has attracted criticism over his frequent tantrums.
Some have argued that although the playmaker possesses undeniable talent he still doesn’t deserve to wear the Red Devils’ armband as his outbursts never inspire his teammates.
However, Arsenal legend Ian Wright backed the Portugal international and claims this sort of attitude comes from the fact that he is a “winner” with high standards.
Wright said during the latest edition of Stick to Football: “I think Bruno is a winner. He’s frustrated. Whatever we say, he has his faults where he waves his arms up but he’s the kind of player that is trying [to change things].”
However, United legend Roy Keane, who is considered as one of the club’s greatest skippers, strongly disagreed with Wright’s assessment as Fernandes has “won nothing”.
Keane fired back: “He’s won nothing in his career, he’s 29 years of age. What has he won in his career?”
Wright responded: “He’s won nothing. But, irrespective of wanting to be a winner, his standards are high.
“If you take Bruno out of Man United we’re talking about players who haven’t improved. If he’s not doing what he’s doing United are nowhere near where they are.
“He’s frustrated, he probably sees it in training every day, people not up to the standards of what he’s looking for and it spills over into a Saturday.
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“Because he [still] brings ‘it’ when we say about his histrionics, he brings it. If Man United are saved in a game it’s probably him who’s going to do it. He’s got every right to be upset with them because they should be doing better.”
Keane conceded that Fernandes is “talented” but insists he hasn’t lived up to expectations as captain as he claims he doesn’t help his teammates improve.
Keane replied: “I think he is a talented boy. But does he help people out and does he make others around him better? The answer is 100 per cent no. He does like to dig them out, which is fine, but you’ve also got to drag the others along.
“Would you like to be in that United dressing room today with these guys going, “Not sure about him, I think he’s OK when we’re winning but we’re not going to be winning every time’.
“How do you stop that momentum and flex your muscles in games? That’s what I want. We talk about talented players but sometimes it’s about personalities in big games and getting you over the line in big games.”
That led to a heated back-and-forth argument between the Sky Sports pundits.
Wright said: “Bruno has got that,” before Keane retorted: “Where is the evidence? Where is the evidence?” And Wright replied: “The way he plays and the way he saves the club.”
Keane fired back: “Saves the club? Look, he’s won nothing in his career. He’s won nothing in his career. Look at his CV. if he’s one of your best players there’s a responsibility.”
