Rio Ferdinand responds to Roy Keane's Bruno Fernandes rant after Man Utd 0-3 Man City | OneFootball

Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has hit back at former teammate Roy Keane after the latter claimed Bruno Fernandes was not fit to be the club captain following his petulant display against arch-rivals Manchester City. Much has been made of the skipper’s fit to being tasked with the responsibility of leading his side out after taking over from Harry Maguire, whose game time became a worrying factor.

The 30-year-old defender was dumped unceremoniously by Erik ten Hag and felt 'extremely disappointed', though he did wish his successor, Fernandes, ‘every success’ in leading the club back to where they should be. That being said, the 61-cap Portugal international’s suitability to the important position was – once again – put under scrutiny following his side’s 3-0 loss to a Pep Guardiola-led City. Many believe that Fernandes failed to step up to the plate, while City’s Erling Haaland and Phil Foden did as they were the pair of scorers on the afternoon.

The former duly slotted home from the spot as Rasmus Hojlund was adjudged to have recklessly restricted Rodri by pulling him back in the box before the talismanic Norwegian bagged his second four minutes into the second half. He then turned provider for Foden, whose effort closed the scoring at 3-0. Following the game, Keane had some stern words for the Manchester United captain, but now Ferdinand has chimed in and disagreed with the Irishman’s opinion.

Keane believes Fernandes is not fit for purpose as Man Utd captain

Keane was blessed to lead some of the club’s greatest teams onto the turf week in week out and understands – wholeheartedly – what it takes to be a fitting custodian of a club the size of Manchester United. And while Micah Richards pointed out a strange tactic that Fernandes tried to carry out while chasing the game against their arch-rivals, Keane has provided a vintage moment by claiming the 29-year-old should no longer be captain of the 20-time English champions.

Both Ferdinand and Keane were huge parts of some of United’s most successful years as a football club and, thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson’s ways, are hardened to believe that winning games and being a force to be reckoned with is the Manchester United way. Though, they are aspects of this current Manchester United that are hard to come by, much to the dismay of Keane.

Ferdinand hits back at Keane’s scathing assessment

On his Vibe with FIVE Podcast, however, Ferdinand was much more reasoned with his response. He hit back at his former teammate with an important question which should be asked should Ten Hag strip Fernandes of his captaincy duties: who is there to replace him?

When one of Rio’s co-hosts suggested that Keane’s comments were purely said in the heat of the moment, he agreed. But Ferdinand continued to highlight that another off-the-pitch situation that would increase the heat on the club is unnecessary and definitely not what they need as the issues, both on and off the field, continue to grow.

Carabao Cup up next for United

Following Sunday's thrashing, United have the opportunity to bounce back on Wednesday night when they face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup. The Red Devils will be hoping for better fortunes that evening as they bid to defend their crown, although the Magpies did knock Man City out in the last round to make a statement of intent.

It remains to be seen if Ten Hag will start Fernandes in that game or opt to give him a rest. But should he start, he will hope to make a greater impact than he managed in his last outing.