Roy Keane admits he is 'happy to be proved wrong' over his criticism of Bruno Fernandes... as the Man United legend hails the Red Devils' captain for his 'outstanding leadership'

Roy Keane admits he is 'happy to be proved wrong' over his previous criticism of Bruno Fernandes, as he hails the Man United captain's 'outstanding leadership' after the midfielder guided the Red Devils to FA Cup glory on Saturday. 

The ITV pundit has previously been critical of the Portuguese star, having called on Erik ten Hag to strip the 29-year-old of the captain's arm band, while also claiming that 'Fernandes is the opposite of what you want as a captain.' 

After a difficult season, the Man United midfielder led his side to victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final with a 2-1 win, notably setting up Kobbie Mainoo with a sensational assist for their second goal. 

'I’ve been critical of Bruno over the years but I’m happy to be proved wrong,' Keane told ITV Sport. 

'His leadership today was outstanding. We’ve always mentioned how brilliant he’s been as player but you know, I’m just pleased for the fans. 

'It’s been a frustrating few months. Yeah we’re quick to criticise and Man City didn’t play well today but it’s about United today and you’ve got to enjoy these moments.

Speaking generally on the victory, he added: 'Absolutely amazing. That was a proper Man United performance. They were dogged, they sat in, they played some good stuff going forward. 

'They scored two goals and I think they had a bit of confidence coming into the game from their games against Newcastle and Brighton back scoring goals.'

In October, Keane had fumed that Fernandes should not be United's captain following Man United's 3-0 defeat by City at Old Trafford. 

He said to Sky Sports: 'The first thing I would do is take the captaincy off him. I know it's a big decision but Fernandes is not captain material.

'He's a talented player, but what I saw today, he's whingeing, he's moaning, he's throwing his arms up in the air constantly.

'It really isn't acceptable. When you're talking about where do they make changes - board level, managers - I'd start with that because the manager is capable of doing that.

'Fernandes is a brilliant footballer but he's the opposite to what you want in a captain.'

Keane had previously lumped praise on Fernandes at half-time after the midfielder set up Mainoo with an outstanding assist, for United's second goal.   

'That's where his brilliance is,' he told ITV Sport. 'A lot of players drift in and try and pick a team-mate out but can't do it, they pass behind somebody.

'He gives him the perfect pass for a one-touch finish. Simple, brilliant, effective, lovely.'

United appeared to stun the Premier League champions in the first half, with Alejandro Garnacho pouncing on a defensive mix-up between Josko Gvardiol and Ederson, to put the Red Devils 1-0 up after 30 minutes. 

Nine minutes later, Fernandes and Mainoo would combine to give Ten Hag's side a commanding lead, and they would hold on to seal a 2-1 victory, despite Jeremy Doku's late goal. 

'Absolutely amazing. That was a proper Man United performance,' Keane said of his former side. 

'They were dogged, they sat in, they played some good stuff going forward. They scored two goals and I think they had a bit of confidence coming into the game from their games against Newcastle and Brighton back scoring goals.'

On Friday, a report from The Guardian claimed that Ten Hag would be sacked even if Man United won the FA Cup. 

While pressure has been mounting on the Dutch manager, with his side falling to finish in their lowest league position, eighth, since the 1989-90 season.

They had faced the prospect of missing out on European football next season, but today's victory over the Premier League champions will see them gain a berth in the Europa League. 

Speaking on Ten Hag's future at the club, Keane was hopeful that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his leadership team would think twice about parting ways with the Dutchman.

He told ITV Sport: 'We don't know if a decision has been made, we know the pressure the manager is under and the questions before the game. 

'It's always difficult when you are preparing for a cup final. In football you have to enjoy these moments, the staff, the players, the supporters. And then cross the bridge when it comes to it. 

'The manager has done his job today. Beating Man City in a FA Cup final is an extra bonus. Fingers crossed they support the manager.'