Bruno Fernandes accuses Roy Keane of spreading 'lies' as Man Utd row erupts

Bruno Fernandes has launched a stunning attack on Roy Keane after accusing the former Manchester United captain of spreading "lies" about him.

The United skipper hit back furiously after Keane branded the club a "circus act" and questioned Fernandes' mentality during the pursuit of the Premier League assists record.

Keane had blasted Fernandes following United's win over Nottingham Forest, accusing the midfielder of focusing more on personal milestones than team success.

But Fernandes has now torn into the pundit during an explosive appearance on the Diary of a CEO podcast.

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"What I don't like is when people lie about things," Fernandes said. "And in this case, what Roy Keane said basically is a lie."

The Portuguese playmaker was reacting to comments Keane made on The Overlap after Fernandes appeared to discuss passing instead of shooting during a match.

Keane interpreted the remarks as proof the United captain cared more about breaking assist records than winning games.

The ex-United midfielder said: "How can your mindset be not to win the match but be about an individual record?

"He won't be winning trophies with that mindset."

Keane also labelled the scenes around Fernandes' record pursuit a "circus act".

However, Fernandes insists the criticism was based on comments he never actually made.

The United captain later clarified that he had actually said there were moments when he "should have passed instead of shot", the complete opposite of Keane's interpretation.

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Fernandes admitted he was so angry about the accusations that he even tried to contact Keane directly.

The midfielder revealed he asked former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for Keane's phone number in order to confront him.

"I even asked Ole for his number to text him," Fernandes explained.

"I don't mind criticism. I don't like when people lie about things that I say."

The 31-year-old stressed he has always respected Keane for his achievements at Old Trafford but felt the comments crossed a line.

"I've always showed a lot of respect for Roy Keane and everything he's done for the club," Fernandes said.

"But what I don't like is that he puts words in my mouth that have not been said."

The dramatic row erupted despite Fernandes enjoying one of the best individual seasons of his career.

The Portugal international claimed his 21st assist of the campaign during Sunday's 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion to officially break the Premier League single-season assist record.

Fernandes also insisted his approach to football has never changed and denied accusations he was chasing statistics.

"It's the same Bruno that is about risk-reward," he said.

"He's about creating chances for his team-mates."

The midfielder added that while he can handle criticism, he would appreciate occasional praise from Keane given his achievements.

"I prefer Roy Keane to give me some praise sometimes because I've achieved something that not many players have achieved," Fernandes admitted.

Fernandes is not the first United player to publicly hit back at criticism from former club legends this season.

Lisandro Martinez previously aimed a sharp response at both Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt after criticism surrounding his performances against Erling Haaland earlier in the campaign.

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