Fernandes accuses Keane of misquoting him over Premier League record
Bruno Fernandes has contacted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for Roy Keane’s phone number after the former captain suggested the midfielder prioritised individual glory over team interests.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has formally accused club legend Roy Keane of telling a "lie" and putting "words in my mouth" regarding comments about his pursuit of the Premier League assists record. The dispute centres on Keane’s appearance on the podcast The Overlap, where he suggested Fernandes prioritised individual glory over team interests following United’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Fernandes, who recently equaled and then broke the single-season record, stated he has contacted former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to request Keane’s phone number to clarify the matter directly. The captain clarified that his actual post-match remarks after the Forest game were: "There were probably moments today when I should have passed instead of shot. I'm very happy for the assist, but more than that, I'm happy for the win and to finish the season on a high."
Keane had misquoted Fernandes, claiming the captain said: "A few times, I probably should have shot but I made them passes." Speaking on The Diary of a CEO, Fernandes expressed that he prefers Keane to offer praise given his achievements, though he accepts criticism as a means to improve. He emphasised that while he does not mind opinion, he objects to inaccuracies that are now on record.
Fernandes registered a record-equalling 20th assist in the win against Nottingham Forest and took the record outright on the final day of the season in the victory at Brighton, surpassing the previous mark of 20 set by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with 21 assists and nine goals, helping United secure third place in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League.
The incident follows a broader pattern of friction between current United players and the club’s "Class of 92" legends. Earlier this season, Lisandro Martinez was involved in a spat with Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt over comments regarding his height and ability to compete with Erling Haaland. Fernandes was awarded the Football Writers' Association men's Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season in May.
Roy Keane is a former Manchester United captain and club legend who won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League during his playing career. Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2020. He added that he has always shown respect for Keane and his contributions to the club, but believes the misquoting went "a little bit over the top of the things that I think are acceptable."
