Roy Keane, a Manchester United legend, has suggested that the club should follow Mikel Arteta’s example at Arsenal and strip Bruno Fernandes of the captaincy. This comes after Manchester United suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to their rivals, Manchester City, leaving many fans disappointed.
During the match, Erling Haaland was the standout player, opening the scoring with a penalty awarded by VAR. Haaland then added a second goal in the early stages of the second half, and Phil Foden sealed the win for City. The atmosphere at Old Trafford was notably deflated as the Sky Sports team evaluated the state of the United squad.
Roy Keane, known for his no-nonsense approach, didn’t hold back in his assessment of Fernandes. He criticized Fernandes’ attitude, citing his tendency to complain and gesture during the game. Keane called for the immediate removal of the captain’s armband from Fernandes, stating that he doesn’t possess the qualities required to be a captain.
Keane’s comments have sparked a debate among United supporters. Some agree with his assessment, believing that a change in leadership may be necessary to improve the team’s performance and morale. Others may have reservations about such a drastic move, given Fernandes’ undeniable talent as a footballer.
In suggesting that United should follow Arteta’s footsteps, Keane is referring to a similar situation at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta made the decision to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy due to disciplinary issues and handed it to Fernandes’ international teammate, Bukayo Saka. This move had a positive impact on Arsenal, with Saka showing leadership qualities on and off the pitch.
Keane’s recommendation is a call for Manchester United’s management to consider making a bold and potentially game-changing decision. While Fernandes is undoubtedly a key player for the team, his behavior on the field, as observed by Keane, raises questions about his suitability as captain. Whether the club will take this advice and implement such a change remains to be seen, as it is a significant decision that only the manager can make.