Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Daniel Blackham

Roy Keane responds to Bruno Fernandes and Eric Cantona comparisons

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has been told he needs to turn up on the big stage in order to be properly compared to Eric Cantona.

United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night as they lost 2-0 to Manchester City at Old Trafford.

They have now been beaten in all four semi-finals they’ve competed in under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and are yet to win a trophy under the Norwegian.

Fernandes was playing in his 24th game of the season across all competitions, having proved himself undroppable under Solskjaer.

He’s scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in 24 games, and his form has earned him comparisons with United great Cantona.

But Keane believes Fernandes needs to do more to help the team win trophies in order to earn comparisons with the Frenchman, who won four Premier League titles in five years with United.

Fernandes had an off night against City, and drew criticism for his performance.

And speaking to Sky Sports, Keane explained that being a top player – like Cantona – means turning up and taking games by the scruff of the neck.

"It's not easy. Not easy winning football trophies,” he said when asked where United have to improve in order to get over the line and win their first trophy under Solskjaer.

“You know Fernandes has had great praise and over the past few months people have been comparing him to Cantona etc. But Cantona...Fernandes didn't really do much tonight.

“The top players turn up in the big occasions.

“That's what the Cantonas used to do, get their hands-on trophies.

“And that's where this team is a little bit short.

"They probably need to have one or two more players come into the squad no doubt and the mentality, maybe they need the confidence of winning a semi-final to get them over the line. Then you get momentum."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.