Bruno Fernandes has admitted he feels both hurt and motivated by recent comments from Roy Keane, having rediscovered his best form for Manchester United.
The Portugal international bagged a sublime hat-trick as the Red Devils battled to a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Thursday.
And he then followed that up with another goal for United on Sunday as the fallen giants beat Leicester 3-0, with Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho also on target.
Speaking recently, Keane went viral with his brutal criticism of Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes has admitted he feels both hurt and motivated by recent comments from Roy Keane, having rediscovered his best form for Manchester United
SKY
The former United star suggested the squad was full of 'imposters' while making it clear he feels Fernandes isn't the right fit to be captain.
The midfielder is back on song, however, and has now opened up on how he feels following Keane's brutal comments.
"I think both," he told Sky Sports when asked if he feels motivated or hurt.
"Obviously, it's not nice to hear those things about you, I think no one likes that.
"But at the same time, it motivates and makes you think people think there's a lot of things you have to improve.
"You have to take it in a positive way, and think whatever people are saying, if there's a margin for improvement or not.
"I know you're talking about Roy Keane. I have huge respect for Roy Keane.
"I think he was one of the best captains the club had. An amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club.
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"Talent's not enough to play for a big club!" 😡
— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) February 27, 2025
Roy and Wrighty clash over Bruno Fernandes’ impact as Man Utd captain! 😳
Is this the most explosive moment in Stick to Football history? 👀 pic.twitter.com/vzSQNcRIWV
"It's the way he thinks about me as a player, as a captain. I have to respect that.
"I try to do the things in my own way to be not the best captain but person and team-mate as I can.
"I do it every day. I try to be an example in everything I do in the training sessions, on the pitch.
"But obviously, not everyone will like (it), not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone.
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"I have to accept there is a lot of margin for improvement in my game and my leadership."
United have lurched from one crisis to another this term.
Slowly but surely, however, things appear to be on the up with Ruben Amorim's side unbeaten in their last six matches.
United are next in action against Nottingham Forest on April 1 (8pm).
Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring Man Utd's third goal in their victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Sunday night
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They were previously beaten by Nuno Espirito Santo's side back in December, with Forest winning 3-2 at Old Trafford.
Chris Wood was the hero for the visitors that night, with the striker netting after goals from Nikola Milenkovic and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Forest sit third in the league with 54 points, just four less than second-placed Arsenal.
