"He’s got to do more off the pitch" - Roy Keane challenges Manchester United star to step up ahead of Manchester derby

Modified Dec 15, 2024 17:17 GMT

Coventry City v Manchester United - Emirates FA Cup Semi Final - Source: Getty — Manchester United legend Roy Keane

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has asked for more from Bruno Fernandes off the pitch ahead of the Red Devils' meeting with Manchester City. The two sides are set to face each other in a Premier League tie on Sunday (December 15).

Ruben Amorim's side enter this tie on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in their previous league outing on December 7. They face a Manchester City team, who are also winless in their previous two matches across competitions.

Claiming that Fernandes has to step up as a leader, Keane told Sky Sports (via Daily Mail):

"Man United have to turn up today and show some fight, some spirit, desire to defend a corner, desire not to give daft free-kicks away, despite to close people down."

"We mention Bruno [Fernandes] about his quality but he’s got to do more off the pitch, he’s got to be a leader."

He added:

"He’s got to find people like [Marcus] Rashford to create something. We keep talking characters at Manchester United and they don’t turn up but we keep thinking they will next week. Time is running out for a lot of these players. We’ve got to see it today in a derby match."

Manchester United will be looking towards Fernandes for inspiration even on the pitch in this upcoming fixture. So far this season, the Portugal international has made 23 appearances across competitions, bagging five goals and 10 assists.

Michael Owen makes prediction for Manchester United v Manchester City

Former Manchester United attacker Michael Owen believes Manchester United and Manchester City will play out a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. He told AceOdds (via Football 365):

“It’s probably the hardest derby in years to call, you would say Man City to come out on top but I’m not so sure this time. Anything could happen. I put 1-1 in my predictions because I can’t see where Manchester City are going to get their next win from."

Pep Guardiola's side need a win to keep up with the rest of those in contention for the Premier League title this year. They're currently fifth in the standings, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who will have a game in hand after this matchweek.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are stranded in 13th place after a disastrous start to the campaign under Erik ten Hag, who was sacked in October. They're nine points behind the top four places.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee