Roy Keane digs out captain Bruno Fernandes after Man City outclass United at Old Trafford
City dominated as they often do, but Keane didn't see the kind of reaction you'd want from United players in a big game — especially from one man in particular.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane had little positive to say about his former team’s performance against Manchester City in the derby on Sunday but chose to dig out club captain Bruno Fernandes, in particular, during his disappointed post-match analysis.
The ex-Man United midfielder has never been one to shy away from criticising the Red Devils even when he was still at the club, so after Pep Guardiola‘s side cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over the home side in the Manchester derby, Keane was brutally honest as usual, with Fernandes receiving the brunt of it.
Speaking on the panel alongside Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and former teammate Gary Neville, Keane began by stating that the fact “one bad decision seems to follow another” is symptomatic of the overall problem at the club, which he admits is in stark contrast to the days under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 52-year-old then went on to insist that they’re taking the backroom and structural “chaos… onto the pitch” and after Carragher insisted Erik ten Hag has got it wrong, stating that “Bruno Fernandes should not be a captain”, Keane went on to say that it “should be taken off him”.
"He's the opposite to what I would want in a captain!"
Acknowledging that ten Hag has already stripped one player of the captaincy after struggling to perform this season in Harry Maguire and that to do so again might be a big decision, the Irishman went on to argue that “Fernandes is not captain material”.
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Taking issue with the Portuguese player’s behaviour on the pitch as opposed to his ability — confessing “he’s a talented player, no doubt about it” — Keane says that Bruno’s “whinging, moaning [and] throwing his arms up in the air constantly” isn’t acceptable from a leadership figure, adding that his demeanour this weekend was just one example of something that has been noted “many times before”.
The former player and coach turned pundit summarised by saying that based on what he saw on Sunday, he would take the captain’s armband away from the 29-year-old moving forward, going so far as to say, “he’s the opposite to what I would want in a captain”.
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Fernandes only earned the captaincy back in July after the manager saw fit to remove the stress of the position from Maguire’s shoulders given his ongoing struggles with form and confidence, and it’s safe to say it wouldn’t look great for the Dutchman to change his mind once again so soon after. You can watch the Manchester derby debrief in full here.
Nevertheless, a former club captain himself, Keane said ten Hag can comfortably hold his hands up and say, “I got it wrong”, and that this step is a crucially feasible one for him to take, whereas questions surrounding ownership, the board and so on are simply aren’t within his power.
Keano’s criticism didn’t stop there either, as he described the entire showing as “a really poor day at the office for them – very, very poor”, remarking that “they are so far off it, it is hard to watch.”
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He signed off by saying that you simply “never know what you’re going to get with Man United” from week to week and that this isn’t something you can accept if you want to be a big club challenging for silverware.
To make matters worse, Man City‘s latest derby day victory made for a less-than-appealing record for their neighbours, as it also marked United’s 34th defeat at home since Sir Alex retired — the same amount of games he lost there in his entire 26 years at the club.
Manchester United Premier League losses at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson: 34
Manchester United Premier League losses at Old Trafford since he retired: 34
Featured Images — Sky Sports/Man United/Man City (via X)
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Viral internet sensation SpudBros to launch pop-up at Trafford Centre this summer
Emily Sergeant
Viral internet sensation SpudBros are popping up at the Trafford Centre this summer.
The UK’s most-followed jacket potato creators, SpudBros – also known as Jacob and Harley Nelson – will officially launch their hotly anticipated summer pop-up the iconic retail destination next week as part of Trafford Centre‘s annual summer fair.
Shoppers can get ready for freshly prepared, fully loaded jacket potatoes served up in minutes, all without compromising on quality, flavour, or portion size.
You can pick from fan favourites like the Tram Classic, which is loaded with garlic butter, the signature three-cheese mix, beans, crispy onions, and world-famous ‘tram’ sauce, to the Spudfather topped with chilli con carne, tuna, and coleslaw.
There’s also a range of other flavour-packed options to tuck into, alongside the option to build your own potato, allowing every customer to create their perfect lunch.
Viral internet sensation SpudBros are launching a special pop-up at Trafford Centre this summer / Credit: The Manc Group
“Manchester is by far the most requested location we’ve had since we started sharing our journey online, explained SpudBros co-founder, Jacob Nelson.
“It’s a city that has always seemed to elude us despite the incredible demand, so bringing SpudBros to Trafford Centre feels particularly special.
“Both Harley and I grew up visiting Trafford Centre, so to now be bringing the tram here for a week-long pop-up is a genuine full-circle moment. We’re excited to give people in Manchester a taste of what we do, whether they’ve followed our journey from the beginning or are discovering us for the first time.”
To mark SpudBros’ Trafford Centre debut, some lucky early visitors could be in for a surprise on opening day, as Jacob and Harley have built a reputation for rewarding their community.
While details of what surprises are in store remain under wraps, fans are encouraged to get down early and join the celebrations.
The new SpudBros pop-up concession will be located outside The Great Hall next week (18-25 July), serving signature loaded potatoes daily from 12–8pm.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Trafford Council temporarily bans barbecues, fireworks and more at key local attraction after Dovestone fires
Danny Jones
Trafford Council has issued a limited ban on barbecues, fireworks and more at the beloved public attraction and suburban hotspot, Sale Water Park, following the fires near Dovestone Reservoir.
Wildfires and areas of concern remain around the moorland region, which caught fire last weekend.
After a woman was arrested as part of a wider investigation into a group that accidentally caused the ignition, accidental or not, the Greater Manchester borough’s local authority has temporarily restricted BBQs, fireworks, and any other kinds of naked flame.
This is a proactive and preventive measure by the Council in an effort to avoid similar circumstances as those seen in the Saddleworth and Oldham vicinity, with the sight and smell of the smoke still lingering across the region.
Barbecues, fireworks and naked flames are temporarily restricted at Sale Water Park due to the increased fire risk during the hot and dry weather.
Please help us keep the park safe for visitors, wildlife and nearby communities.
As explained in the official update from Trafford Council, while local residents and tourists alike are welcome to bring picnics and cold beverages as they hope to both beat and enjoy the heat, a serious fire risk is still very much present.
Implementing the ban across Sale Water Park in an effort to protect native visitors, wildlife and nearby communities, increased police patrols will be dispatched across the 152-acre patch of grasslands and artificial lake.
While the Manc nature reserve and popular slice of countryside just beyond the outskirts of the city centre will still be open from “dawn until dusk” throughout the week, security staff will also be on site, ready on standby with water and sand available to safely extinguish any fires.
The Council has also reminded people to park responsibly and avoid blocking access routes in and around the parkland, as recent busy periods during the ongoing UK heatwave have led to congestion in and around the park, which can also delay emergency vehicles.
Visitors are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport where possible.
A Trafford Council spokesperson said in an official statement: “We want everyone to enjoy Sale Water Park safely. However, the current hot and dry conditions mean there is an increased risk of fire, particularly from barbecues, fireworks and naked flames.
“This temporary restriction is a proportionate step to protect people, wildlife and the park itself. Visitors are very welcome to bring cold picnics, but we are asking everyone not to bring or light barbecues while the restriction is in place.
“We’re also asking visitors to park considerately, keep access routes clear and take litter home if bins are full. To avoid the busiest times, people could consider visiting before 9am or later in the evening.”
As for the Dovestone and Tintwistle Moor blaze, the latest is that a suspect’s identity has now been revealed; you can find out more down below.
Danny Jones -
30th October 2023 
