My opinion is more important Man Utd s Amorim backs Fernandes after Keane criticism

LONDON – Bruno Fernandes is a key player for Manchester United, manager Ruben Amorim stressed on Feb 28 as he defended the Portugal midfielder following criticism from the Premier League club’s former captain Roy Keane.

Fernandes was named Man of the Match for his involvement in all three goals in a 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town in midweek. But he has often been criticised for his on-field demeanour and has admitted in the past that his gesticulating and complaining can rile up both teammates and opponents.

In an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast alongside former Arsenal player Ian Wright, Keane criticised the United captain’s work rate, adding: “Talent is not enough! You keep going back to talent – Bruno’s a talented player, but it’s not enough.”

Amorim said he did not agree with Keane’s remarks on Fernandes.

“I heard about that. I have a different opinion. Bruno is really important for us and the club. He is playing well in a difficult context,” the Portuguese said ahead of an FA Cup fifth-round home clash with Fulham on March 2.

“He wants always the responsibility. I know sometimes as a captain he does things with his arms but most of all it is a lot of frustration for this year and the last year.

“He wants to win and sometimes it is hard to deal with that frustration.

“Everyone has an opinion. Roy Keane has big standards from his time at the club and it is normal to have an opinion. I have an opposite opinion and I think my opinion is more important than Roy Keane’s because I am the coach.”

Amorim’s press conference was dominated by questions about his own players rather than the match against Fulham. But it is not difficult to see why, considering that