Bruno Fernandes has hit back at criticism from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane after breaking the Premier League assist record.
Fernandes set up Patrick Dorgu’s opener as the Red Devils beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 on Sunday to set a new mark.
The Portugal international had equalled the assist record in United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest earlier this month. However, Keane criticised Fernandes for what he saw as an individualistic mindset.
“After the game, he was interviewed, and the captain of Manchester United said, ‘a few times, I probably should have shot, but I made the passes,'” Keane said.
“Wow. How can your mindset be not to win the match but to focus on an individual record?”
Fernandes has defended himself, insisting he did not mind criticism but that his words had been misunderstood.
“To be honest, like I have always said, I don’t mind criticism,” the 31-year-old said.
“I have always taken criticism from everyone and anyone, and I never reply to anything. What I don’t like is when people lie about things, and in this case, basically, what he [Roy Keane] said is a lie.
“Luckily for me, everything is on record. Imagine if it was not, then people would think, ‘Bruno is the guy always trying to get the assist’.”
Fernandes is enjoying arguably his best spell in Manchester, having recently picked up the Football Writers’ Association Player and Premier League Player of the Year awards.
He is also the favourite to be named Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year.
As United prepare to return to the Champions League next season, they will hope their star midfielder has a new gear to hit.
