Roy Keane: Bruno Fernandes shouldn't be compared to Eric Cantona

‘The top players turn up for the big occasions’: Roy Keane insists Man United’s Bruno Fernandes shouldn’t be compared to Eric Cantona… after claiming the midfielder failed to show up in Carabao Cup defeat by Man City

  • Manchester United crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage
  • John Stones and Fernandinho scored as Man City beat rivals United 2-0 away
  • Roy Keane was critical of Bruno Fernandes’ display at Old Trafford against City
  • Keane claimed Fernandes shouldn’t be earning comparisons to Eric Cantona 

Roy Keane has criticised Bruno Fernandes for failing to turn up during Manchester United’s Carabao Cup defeat by rivals City, insisting he definitely shouldn’t be held in the same regard as Eric Cantona.

United crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage, losing 2-0 to Pep Guardiola’s side at Old Trafford following goals in the second half from John Stones and Fernandinho. 

Fernandes – who has been so influential for United since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 – produced a subdued display in midfield as United had no answers to City’s superiority.

Bruno Fernandes was ineffective in midfield for Manchester United as they lost 2-0 to City

Fernandes’ scintillating form for United of late has earned him comparisons with United great Cantona.

But former United captain Keane insists the Portuguese midfielder must turn up on the big stage regularly to be compared to the French icon.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said: ‘It’s not easy winning football trophies. Fernandes has had great praise for the last few months and people have been comparing him to [Eric] Cantona etc. Fernandes didn’t really do much tonight.

‘The top players turn up in the big occasions. And that’s what the Cantona’s used to do – they get their hands on trophies. That’s where this team are a little bit short.

‘They probably need one or two more players to come into this squad, no doubt, and they need the mentality and confidence of winning a semi-final to get them over the line.

‘You then get momentum and they just didn’t quite have it tonight. 

Roy Keane said that Fernandes’ comparisons with United great Eric Cantona should stop

Keane was critical of Fernandes’ performance against City, insisting he failed to turn up

‘But credit to City – they were up against an outstanding Man City team tonight who turned up and put on a good show.’

Fernandes, who has a brilliant 27 goals and 17 assists to his name in just 46 United matches, gave possession away too cheaply at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

And as Fernandes toiled, City showed their class once again to book their place in the Carabao Cup final.

Stones gave City the lead in the 50th minute at Old Trafford before Fernandinho made sure of the victory thanks to his excellent volley from outside the penalty area late on. 

Guardiola’s side will now look to win a fourth consecutive Carabao Cup with victory over Tottenham in the final at Wembley on April 25. 

Fernandinho and John Stones scored for City as they booked their Carabao Cup final spot




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