Roy Keane tears into Man United star Bruno Fernandes for Erik ten Hag sack apology
by Jake Stokes · Manchester Evening NewsRoy Keane has described Bruno Fernandes' apology to Erik ten Hag as a matter of "too little, too late" following his departure from Manchester United. The Dutchman was relieved of his duties last Monday during his third season at Old Trafford - and a succession plan is in place.
Despite winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, his efforts fell short of propelling United back to the pinnacle of football. Ruben Amorim steps into the role as Ten Hag's successor, assuming responsibilities from next Monday.
Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy, the club's interim manager, held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. After that game, Fernandes expressed regret over his own performance during Ten Hag's time when speaking to Sky Sports.
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As quoted by The Mirror, he said: "When you see a manager go you have to look at the mirror first. I spoke to Erik ten Hag and I told him I apologise and I feel disappointed I couldn't do more for him. We should've done better.
"I wasn't scoring goals and I felt responsibility as I'm normally a player with a lot of goals and assists. The main thing is he's aware of that. Every week is challenging, it doesn't matter if you win or lose. It's a different week because we know Erik is gone."
Discussing the broader impact of managerial exits, Fernandes added: "It's not good for anyone at the club when a manager goes because it means that the position where the team is isn't the best, the results are not the best. We are all disappointed by that, you always have to take a little bit of the blame on yourself."
When the Sky Sports cameras returned to Keane in the studio, the iconic former United midfielder was far from receptive to what was being said. He said: "These are always awkward interviews for players but I wouldn't have much time and patience for the player to say; 'Listen, sorry, we let you down'. Too little, too late.
"We'll judge what you're doing on the football pitch. I don't think Bruno has done enough in a lot of the games already. He didn't show that leadership. So it would be interesting to hear what Ten Hag has to say about it. But you also have to move on.
"A lot of players don't care that much when a manager goes. They just focus on the next manager and get ready, and look after themselves. Players can be selfish, we know that... but I don't think Bruno done enough as a captain of Man United over the last year or two to help the manager out. Far from it."
Keane went on: "The proof's there with all the results. It's not just on Bruno, of course, but I don't think he showed enough leadership skills when the going's got tough with some of the performances. I don't think Bruno should be too proud of himself, of what's happened to the manager of the last week or two.
"I think the players let the manager down, ultimately."
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