Roy Keane Criticizes Bruno Fernandes’ Apology to Erik ten Hag, Calling it “Too Little, Too Late

Roy Keane has made his opinion clear on Bruno Fernandes’ recent apology to Erik ten Hag, calling it “too little, too late.” The former Manchester United captain voiced his disapproval after Fernandes expressed regret for not supporting the now-departed manager more effectively. Ten Hag, who was sacked last Monday, leaves a mixed legacy at Old Trafford, with both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup to his name but no clear advancement in the Premier League or European competitions.

In a move to show accountability, Fernandes took the opportunity to apologize in a post-match interview with Sky Sports. Following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, where Fernandes scored United’s lone goal, he expressed disappointment at ten Hag’s departure and acknowledged his own role. “When a manager goes, you have to look in the mirror,” Fernandes said, adding that he had spoken personally to ten Hag to apologize for not delivering better performances as captain.

Fernandes admitted that his struggles to score goals and contribute assists weighed heavily on him, as he normally plays a central role in United’s attacking contributions. He admitted feeling personal responsibility for not meeting expectations, especially as the team faced challenging results that ultimately led to ten Hag’s dismissal. “It’s a different week because we know Erik is gone,” he said, emphasizing the emotional toll the sacking has had on the club.

However, Keane was not impressed with Fernandes’ comments, stating that such apologies rarely carry weight. When the cameras returned to the Sky Sports studio, Keane responded, saying, “Too little, too late,” and suggested that players should be judged based on their performance on the field, not apologies off it. He argued that Fernandes had not demonstrated enough leadership in recent performances to make his words credible.

The former United captain went further, suggesting that Fernandes’ lack of consistent leadership and impact as a captain had undermined ten Hag’s position at the club. “Bruno hasn’t done enough in a lot of games already. He didn’t show that leadership,” Keane said. He pointed out that although the responsibility doesn’t fall solely on Fernandes, he believed the captain could have done more during ten Hag’s tenure.

Keane also highlighted a broader problem with player accountability following managerial changes. He observed that many players quickly shift focus to the next manager without reflecting on their own performances. Keane’s comments suggested a perception that Fernandes and his teammates may not have fully supported ten Hag, implying that the current culture at United lacks the dedication seen in previous generations.

The conversation surrounding Fernandes’ leadership continued as Keane questioned the lack of resilience shown by United’s players when facing difficult moments. “The proof’s there with all the results,” he said, indicating that Fernandes and other team leaders had fallen short during ten Hag’s turbulent final weeks. This lack of consistent performance was a contributing factor, in Keane’s view, to the team’s struggles under ten Hag.

As ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorim, prepares to take over next Monday, fans and pundits alike are looking to see how the club will move forward. In the interim, Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in, and Keane’s critique of Fernandes casts a spotlight on United’s leadership and team dynamics as Amorim seeks to steer the club in a new direction.

Keane’s strong reaction underscores the divide between United’s past and present standards of leadership. His remarks not only question Fernandes’ captaincy but also reflect broader frustrations among fans who feel the team’s current leaders have failed to uphold the club’s values.