Roy Keane finds new insult for Bruno Fernandes in scathing Man Utd rant | OneFootball

In the wake of their latest Premier League defeat, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane blasted the current squad as "bluffers" who are "physically and mentally weak", saving particular criticism for Bruno Fernandes once again.

United have lost 14 of their 32 league games played this season. They sit 14th in the table, which would be a worst finish since relegation in 1974, while this is already guaranteed to be the club's lowest-ever points tally in the Premier League era, even if they miraculously win all six remaining games.

At best, United can get 56 points, two fewer than their current low mark of 58. That came in 2021/22 when the club finished the season under the interim leadership of Ralf Rangnick.

Keane, who lifted four Premier League trophies as United skipper and never finished below third during a concentrated era of success, has routinely criticised the players who now pull on the famous red shirt. But he was particularly outraged by Sunday's 4-1 defeat away to Newcastle United.

"We keep making excuses for this team," Keane fumed in his capacity as a Sky Sports pundit. "There are not enough players who can run in the team. I don't think there are players who want to run. Not enough of a goal threat. You've got to dig deep, even when you're up against it and they didn't do that in the second half."

Keane described Newcastle as "outstanding" and increasingly used to winning big games –  "they've got into a really good habit". But he said "United are the opposite" in a damning verdict.

"I think United now are physically and mentally a weak team," the for Republic of Ireland international added.

"Newcastle were too fast, too powerful, more determined. The pace they had up front, United couldn't deal with their attacking players and they got what they deserved.

"This talk before the game about there are good signs, they're getting better, well I can't see it and I just saw another poor performance, particularly in the second half. I worry for this group of players. To me, they don't look like a strong group mentally."

Keane has reserved plenty of criticism for Bruno Fernandes in recent months, a player he has made no secret of disliking when it comes to leadership, or perceived lack of it.

Fernandes appeared before the Sky cameras at full-time, admitting he is frustrated with his teammates because he knows "how good they can be". The Portuguese skipper will often face the media after disappointing results and speak honestly, but Keane suggested his words are empty.

"It's just soundbites now," the retired legend went on to say. "He was talking about his teammates and belief but what about his right-back, [Diogo] Dalot, who didn't put a leg out to tackle? I hope he is pulling him in the dressing room because he keeps talking about having belief in his teammates but real good teammates put demands on each other.

"I'm not sure this United group are an honest group. The best players put demands on me. That's what real good teammates do. These aren't teammates, they are bluffers."