Roy Keane admits he is ‘happy to be proved wrong’ over his criticism of Bruno Fernandes… as the Man United legend hails the Red Devils’ captain for his ‘outstanding leadership’

Roy Keane admits he is ‘glad to be proven wrong’ over his previous criticism of Bruno Fernandes as he praises the Man United captain’s ‘excellent leadership’ after the midfielder guided the Red Devils to FA Cup glory on Saturday .

The ITV pundit was previously critical of the Portuguese star and called on Erik ten Hag to strip the 29-year-old of the captaincy, while also claiming that ‘Fernandes is the opposite of what you want as a captain.’

After a difficult season, the Man United midfielder led his side to victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final with a 2-1 victory, with Kobbie Mainoo notably providing a sensational assist for their second goal.

“I’ve been critical of Bruno over the years but I’m happy to be proven wrong,” Keane told ITV Sport.

“His leadership today was excellent. We’ve always said how brilliant he’s been as a player, but you know what, I’m just happy for the fans.

Keane (pictured) praised Fernandes and claimed his ‘leadership was outstanding’ during Man United’s FA Cup final against Man City

‘It’s been a frustrating few months. Yes, we are quick to criticize and Man City didn’t play well today, but today is about United and you have to enjoy these moments.

Speaking about the win overall, he added: ‘Absolutely amazing. That was a good performance from Man United. They were tenacious, they sat there and played some good things going forward.

“They scored two goals and I think they had a bit of confidence going into the game with the games against Newcastle and Brighton scoring goals.”

In October, Keane had fumed that Fernandes should not be United’s captain after Man United’s 3-0 defeat to City at Old Trafford.

He told Sky Sports: ‘The first thing I would do is strip him of the captaincy. I know it’s a big decision, but Fernandes is not captain material.

“He’s a talented player, but from what I saw today, he whines, moans and throws his arms in the air all the time.

‘It’s really not acceptable. If you’re talking about where they’re making changes – at board level, managers – I would start there, because the manager has the ability to do that.

‘Fernandes is a brilliant footballer, but he is the opposite of what you want in a captain.’

Today, however, he was full of praise for the Portuguese midfielder, praising him in particular for his excellent assist that allowed Kobbie Mainoo to give the Red Devils a 2-0 lead.

“That’s where his genius lies,” he told ITV Sport at half-time. ‘A lot of players come in and try to pick out a teammate, but they can’t, they pass after someone.

Despite a torrid season that saw him finish eighth in the league, Fernandes (centre) led his side to FA Cup glory on Saturday

The Portuguese midfielder (pictured) was exceptional for United, providing a sensational assist for Kobbie Mainoo’s goal that put the Red Devils 2-0 ahead

Fernandes (centre) made a sensational no-look pass to play Mainoo (left) through on goal

‘He gives him the perfect pass for a one-touch finish. Simple, brilliant, effective, beautiful.’

United looked to stun the Premier League champions in the first half, with Alejandro Garnacho pounced on a defensive mix-up between Josko Gvardiol and Ederson to put the Red Devils 1-0 ahead after 30 minutes.

Nine minutes later, Fernandes and Mainoo would combine to give Ten Hag’s team the lead and seal a 2-1 victory despite Jeremy Doku’s late goal.

‘Absolutely wonderful. That was a real Man United performance,” Keane said of his former team.

“They were tenacious, they were in it and played good things going forward. They scored two goals and I think they had a bit of confidence going into the game from the games against Newcastle and the Brighton scoring.”

A report on Friday The guard claimed that Ten Hag would even be sacked if Man United won the FA Cup.

As pressure mounts on the Dutch manager, his side has fallen, finishing in their lowest position in the league, eighth, since the 1989-90 season.

They had faced the prospect of missing out on European football next season, but today’s win over the Premier League champions will see them clinch a place in the Europa League.

Claims have been made that Erik ten Hag (pictured) will be sacked by United’s owners despite winning the FA Cup

Keane was hopeful the club’s leadership group would ‘back the manager’ after today

Speaking about Ten Hag’s future at the club, Keane hoped Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his leadership team would think twice about parting ways with the Dutchman.

He told ITV Sport: ‘We don’t know if a decision has been made, we know the pressure the manager is under and the questions ahead of the game.

‘It’s always difficult when you prepare for a cup final. In football you have to enjoy these moments, the staff, the players, the supporters. And then cross the bridge when it comes down to it.

‘The manager did his job today. Beating Man City in an FA Cup final is an added bonus. Fingers crossed they back the manager.”