Bruno Fernandes is caught in a storm. On one side, despite performing week in and week out, Roy Keane’s brutal critique of his leadership. On the other hand, Joe Cole’s bombshell advice, “If I’m Bruno Fernandes, I’d absolutely be looking for a move away from Manchester United,” Joe Cole told Paddy Power. The Portuguese maestro, with 31 goal contributions this season, is at a career-defining crossroad with Manchester United.
Cole’s Brutal Reality Check
The former Chelsea star didn’t hold back. “He must go home at night and wonder why everyone is digging him out when he’s the only one pulling his weight,” Cole told Paddy Power. Fernandes’ numbers scream elite with 16 goals, 15 assists, and a hat-trick against Real Sociedad to keep United’s Europa League hopes alive. But Cole argues individual brilliance isn’t enough. “He’s literally dragging that club through this dire moment… When United return to the top, he’ll be the only shining light from this era.”
“Talent Isn’t Enough!”
Keane, never one for sugarcoating, slammed Fernandes’s captaincy. “Talent is not enough! You keep going back to talent—Bruno’s a talented player, but it’s not enough.” The dig cut deep, but Fernandes’s response was amazing after the win against Leicester in the Premier League. “I have huge respect for Roy Keane… I accept there is a lot of margin for improvement in my game and my leadership,” Fernandes added.
Ian Wright nailed it: “If Bruno’s not there, United are in the relegation battle. ”Yet, carrying a broken squad has its limits. As Cole warns: “All he gets is stick… How must he feel being the one with goals, assists, and driving the team forward?”
Fernandes’s 94 goals and 81 assists in 277 games since 2020 dwarf his peers. Yet, two domestic cups in four years highlight United’s systemic failures. Cole’s point? “He’s run his race at United… needs to prove he can play in a top side.”
At 30, Fernandes’ trophy window is narrowing. Cole was direct as he insisted Bruno must leave to play somewhere else. “Go“ play in a team capable of winning trophies”. Fernandes’s dilemma mirrors United’s identity crisis: Stay and risk becoming a “what if?” story, or leave and cement his greatness elsewhere.