Amorim says he has 'no doubts' over Bruno Fernandes' 'leadership' after Keane blast

Ruben Amorim says he has no doubts over Bruno Fernandes' leadership qualities despite stinging criticism from Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

Former captain Keane said on the Stick to Football podcast recently that Fernandes does not have the qualities required to skipper United.

"I don’t think he has that leadership skill that you want, that you demand at Man United," said Keane.

"There’s no aggression with Fernandes, there’s no ‘grrr’ about him."

Keane won seven Premier League titles and the Champions League during a trophy-laden spell with United between 1993 and 2005 and was renowned for driving up standards with his ferocious determination.

Amorim, who succeeded Erik ten Hag as United boss in November, has endured a tough start at Old Trafford, with the team currently 14th in the Premier League after losing nine of his 21 games in charge.

Speaking before Thursday's Europa League last-16 first-leg tie against Real Sociedad, Amorim rejected Keane’s assessment of Fernandes, who has contributed seven goals and nine assists this season.

"I spoke with Bruno and for me, as a coach, he’s a good leader," said Amorim.

"Everyone has their own opinion but my opinion is more important because I’m the coach.

"I think he’s a good captain. We have to live with pundits and opinions, it’s not a problem for me."

It is not the first time Keane has questioned Fernandes’ suitability to captain United - comments that have prompted wider debate about what constitutes a good leader at a club currently struggling to regain past glories.

Former United defender Mikael Silvestre has suggested Keane could return to Old Trafford in some capacity to help Amorim turn around the club’s fortunes.

"Roy Keane at Manchester United would be brilliant," Silvestre told Yaysweepstakes.com.

"When he’s not in your team he’s a nightmare because he’s always going at you in the media - we’ve seen it. But when he’s in your team he protects the group and doesn’t go at individuals in the media."

Whether Fernandes remains captain or not, Amorim has more pressing issues to resolve with a team that has lost its past three matches and faces a defining period in its season.

United’s only remaining chance of silverware is in the Europa League, while defeat by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday would represent their lowest ebb of an already difficult campaign.