Bruno Fernandes has dismissed suggestions that he is focused on individual accolades after Roy Keane criticised him for equalling the Premier League assist record. The Manchester United captain reached 20 assists for the season during a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, matching the record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Keane's Criticism
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane described the focus on Fernandes's assist record as a 'circus act'. 'For it to become the main point of Man United's performance at the weekend, I was cringing with all of them,' Keane said. 'All the players when he got the assists, going over to him, what about the guy who scored the goal?' He added: 'He won't be winning trophies, not with that mindset of the team yesterday where they're giving up two goals and everyone's getting all giddy because he's equalled a record for assists. It's mind-boggling. It's a circus act.'
Fernandes's Response
Fernandes, who also won the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award, insisted that individual records are not his priority. 'It is not something that I will ever chase,' he said. 'I know people can have different opinions about me but they cannot say that I am not someone that looks to the team and tries to make the team the most successful one. I will always try to win trophies and not individual accolades.' After the match, he told Sky Sports: 'Everyone knew it was important that I could get another assist at least and they've been trying everything they can to score from my passes. I'm very happy for the assist but more than that I'm very happy for the win and to finish the season on a high.'
Carrick's Praise
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick praised Fernandes's leadership and consistency. 'To be the captain of Manchester United and lead like Bruno has for such a long time… I was at the club [when he joined] originally and to see him walk through the door and evolve and lead the club moving forward is a real joy,' Carrick said. 'It's not easy being a leader at such a big club but he's taken it on unbelievably well and to be so consistent over time is something we really appreciate.' He added: 'He'll get a lot of headlines for the assist record and his performances this season, but I think it's what happens off the pitch that I appreciate. He's a special footballer and we're lucky to have him in this league, and at this football club.'
