Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s criticism

Captain Bruno Fernandes insists he will be his own man – and on current form Manchester United would not have it any other way.

His fifth goal in a week capped United’s 3-0 Premier League win at Leicester, with the Portugal international taking another starring role.

Two assists and a goal followed the hat-trick in Thursday’s 4-1 Europa League win over Real Sociedad to set up a quarter-final tie with Lyon, and a strike in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

As Ruben Amorim’s side rose to 13th with victory at the King Power Stadium, Fernandes’ display came after former United skipper Roy Keane criticised him last month, saying ‘talent is not enough’.

But Fernandes, who has 16 goals and 15 assists for United this season, brushed off the criticism. “I do things in my own way,” said the 30-year-old.

“Obviously it’s not nice to hear those things about you, but at the same time it motivates you and obviously people think there’s a lot of things you need to improve.

“You have to take it in a positive understanding that whatever people are saying, if it’s a margin to improve or not. I have a huge respect for Roy Keane.

“Obviously not everything I do everyone will like or think in the same way and I respect everyone’s opinion and I have huge respect for Roy Keane and I accept there’s a lot of margin for improvement in my game, in my leadership and everything I do in my life.”

Fernandes has been involved in 31 goals across all competitions this season, with only Mohamed Salah (54) and Erling Haaland (33) having more goal involvement among Premier League players.