Gary Neville has doubled down on his criticism of Bruno Fernandes’ arm-waving and on-pitch moaning, while Roy Keane believes the Manchester United midfielder should heed their comments.
During last month’s 7-0 hammering at the hands of Liverpool, the Portugal international was slated by a host of pundits when he was seen waving his arms around in frustration and berating team-mates during the collapse.
In a new interview, Fernandes conceded he sometimes ‘goes over the line’ with his emotional reactions but hit out at the pair of United legends after they branded him a ‘disgrace’ and suggested they were just saying things ‘to get attention’.
But Neville has rejected that accusation and feels Fernandes’ behaviour can have a negative impact on the team, while Keane believes the midfielder would benefit from taking their comments on board.
Asked if seeing Fernandes’ interview has changed his mind, Neville told Sky Sports: ‘I don’t think so. I don’t talk to any Manchester United fans who like the way that he behaves, particularly when they’re losing, particularly when he throws his arms around.
‘As a football player he’s been fantastic for United: his goals, his assists, he always plays. He’s been fantastic. But when he says he doesn’t cause a problem when he throws his arms around – he does!
‘Look, I played with Roy who was a captain who would hand out the odd rollicking to a player or two. And that was fine, it was direct, you could see where it was coming from.
‘But the last couple of years at United there have been players who have tutted, who have thrown their arms around on the pitch – which I think is a different type of criticism.
‘For me, it isn’t something that helps young players in particular. I’ve called it out when Cristiano was doing it a couple of years ago. I called it out when Bruno Fernandes does it.
‘I don’t like it. I think direct criticism is fine. Look, he is passionate, he is emotional, he gets involved in the game, he gets involved with referees – I’ve got no problem with that.
‘I have to say, every Manchester United fan I speak to feels the same thing. Sometimes he goes over the top.’
Keane added: ‘I agree with everything that’s been said. Obviously he is an emotional player, but most importantly he’s a brilliant player for Manchester United. Absolutely amazing player, the skill he’s got, goals, assists, fantastic.
‘But he should also be open-minded to when ex-players are critical of him because he can learn from it.
‘First of all don’t get too bogged down by it, but he can still improve and learn from some of his body language in terms of the way he rolls around, the way he waves his arms. I think that can be improved, of course.’
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