Bruno Fernandes’ conduct one again copped criticism in the Manchester derby with club legend Roy Keane calling for the Portuguese midfielder to be ᵴtriƥped of the captaincy

Roy Keane believes Erik ten Hag needs to be ruthless at Manchester United and take the captaincy away from Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese playmaker was only appointed as the club’s full-time skipper at the start of the season following the controversial decision to take the role away from Harry Maguire. Fernandes has been one of United’s standout performers since joining the club.

However, his conduct has angered many with his petulant outbursts a regular part of his game. That was on show once again during United’s hammering in the Manchester derby and Keane claimed Fernandes was the opposite of what he’d want in a skipper.

He said on Sky Sports : “The one thing I would do, after today having watched him again, I would definitely take the captaincy off him, 100 percent. I know it was a big decision to change the captaincy with Maguire, but Fernandes is not captain material.

“I think he’s a talented player, but what I saw today, we’ve discussed this before, I was at Liverpool last year, his whinging, his moaning, constantly throwing his arms up in the air. It really isn’t acceptable.

“It has to start somewhere and where do you make changes – manager? board level? It starts with that (the captaincy) because the manager is capable of doing that. Hold his hands up and say he got it wrong. Fernandes is a great player, but he’s the opposite of what I would want in a captain.”

Keane referenced Fernandes’ display during the Anfield humiliation last term when Liverpool hit seven past United. That day the midfielder copped major criticism for his attitude with Keane among those to take aim.

Bruno Fernandes’ conduct has again been called into question ( Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

“Fernandes’ body language today was nothing short of disgraceful,” he said after the thrashing last season. “A really talented boy, he’s your captain, but his body language, waving his arms, not running back, you wouldn’t be happy with him in your dressing room.”

Ten Hag is under increasing pressure to improve United’s fortunes with his side now losing five of their opening ten Premier League games. Earlier this season the Dutchman hailed his skipper, who took on the role full-time, as he said: “I think that is why he’s captain, because he has a very good personality. He is a character and he wants to contribute in his way to the team.”