Ruben Amorim issues five-word response to Roy Keane criticism of Bruno Fernandes – after club legend’s rant labelled Man United stars as ‘f***ing imposters’

Ruben Amorim says his opinion of Bruno Fernandes is more important than Roy Keane’s as he defended his Manchester United captain in the face of another attack by the Irishman.

Former United skipper Keane took aim at Fernandes again in a podcast on Thursday, accusing the Portuguese of not being ‘a fighter’ and claiming that ‘talent is not enough’ to captain the club.

But Amorim leapt to Fernandes’ defence on Friday even though he acknowledged that the player can sometimes get under people’s skin.

Asked about Keane’s comments, he said: ‘I heard about that, I have a different opinion. Roy Keane has big standards from his time. I think my opinion is more important than Roy Keane because I am the coach.

‘Bruno is really important for us in the club, especially for me. He is playing well in a difficult context. He wants always the responsibility.

‘I know as a captain he does things sometimes with his arms, criticising the teammates. Most of all it is a bit of frustration. He wants to win and sometimes it is difficult to deal with that frustration.’

Ruben Amorim has issued a staunch defence of Bruno Fernandes after Roy Keane’s criticism

Keane ripped into Fernandes on a podcast and questioned his credentials as United captain

Fernandes had hand in all three goals as United beat Ipswich 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

Andre Onana was criticised for his role in both goals United conceded, but Amorim also spoke out in defence of the Cameroon goalkeeper.

‘This season he did some great saves that saved our team,’ said Amorim. ‘Sometimes he has some problems, but that is normal.

‘If you look at our team, you can find a lot of players with that issue. Sometimes some players have problems. People talk a lot the second goal of Ipswich, he is waiting for the touch of (Liam) Delap and then the ball continues to the goal. That can happen.’

Onana is set to continue in goal against Fulham in the FA Cup at Old Trafford on Sunday with Altay Bayindir – who might well have played – and Tom Heaton still injured.