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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag fires back at Roy Keane and issues warning to Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has shut down Roy Keane and issued a warning to youngster Kobbie Mainoo.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has fired back at Roy Keane's claims that Bruno Fernandes should lose the captaincy. The Dutchman has also issued a word of warning to Kobbie Mainoo following his full Premier League debut.
Keane said after United's 3-0 loss to Manchester City last month that Fernandes should be stripped of the armband. The former Red Devils skipper was not impressed with Fernandes' "whinging" and "moaning", claiming he was the opposite of what he would want from a captain.
But Ten Hag has not listened to Keane's advice and has now hailed the Portugal star's leadership qualities. Fernandes is the usual penalty-taker for United.
However, he handed Marcus Rashford a spot-kick in Sunday's 3-0 win at Everton. United only led 1-0 at the time and Fernandes admitted afterwards he wanted to boost his team-mate's confidence following his barren run in front of goal.
Ten Hag has praised the gesture in his press conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match at Galatasaray. Ten Hag said: "It is great leadership, if you know your team-mate needs that goal."
Fernandes sat alongside Ten Hag at the press conference. He again reiterated that Rashford needed a goal to boost his own self-belief.
The 29-year-old said: "It was in the moment. He is important for us. For strikers, it is about getting the first goal. We need our strikers to have the confidence to score them."
Fernandes insists criticism is part and parcel of his job and says he is fully focused on getting the best out of himself and others in the dressing room. He added: "I have to deal with that.
"I understand that the tough part is always coming after the first games, when results and performances aren't always as they should be. I know my numbers, when I came made myself a target.
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"My focus is on the team, on the staff, on those who work with me day by day. The way I am it has not changed by being the captain. I am really open with everyone. I have to keep the same way."
Meanwhile, Mainoo could feature in Turkey after his impressive display at Goodison Park. Ten Hag insists age isn't a factor but says he must build on his early promise.
He said: "If players are good enough, they are old enough. We are very pleased, but it is one performance. You have to do it on a consistent basis. We are confident he can do it, but you have to prove it. You are only as good as your last game.
"Enjoy it first, but keep the focus on the game. Don't get distracted. It is about the game, focus on your game, your performance and get the right levels in."