“He is completely unlike a captain in my eyes,” Keane added on Sky Sports. “Fernandes is always complaining, waving his hands in the air with an unacceptable attitude. He’s good, but not the right captain. The first thing Man Utd needs to do is strip Fernandes of the captaincy. That’s his job.” It’s difficult, but coach Erik ten Hag will have to do it.”
Fernandes was given the captaincy of Man Utd for the 2023-2024 season, after Harry Maguire was deposed. However, his performance with the “Red Devils” this season is not high, having only scored two goals and assisted three times in 13 matches in all competitions. During the loss to Man City, he also waved his hand many times to blame his teammates, making Keane unhappy.
Keane was the captain of Man Utd from 1997 to 2005, helping the team win every possible title during this period. He believes that stripping Fernandes of his ice is still not enough to solve the team’s current situation. “The problem with Ten Hag is that he still hasn’t chosen the right team,” the 52-year-old former midfielder added. “Man Utd has many injuries, Ten Hag is also reeling with personnel issues, such as the goalkeeper, the position of Harry Maguire or Jonny Evans today.”
Man Utd is ranked eighth but the goal difference is only -5. Their problem lies in the attack with only 11 goals, when central striker Rasmus Hojlund is still failing in the Premier League. Keane criticized the strength of the team’s attack, and said that Man Utd was physically overwhelmed in every position. “Ten Hag will not be able to sleep well tonight,” he emphasized.
Hojlund missed a good opportunity to score in a face-to-face situation with the goalkeeper in the 31st minute, when he dribbled past the goalkeeper in a staggering position. Keane said that Hojlund should have fallen in this situation, giving the home team a chance to get a penalty. “I’m not saying he should dive, but any player w