Neville slams Keys over Liverpool theory but Bruno Fernandes defense goes too far

In a fervent defense of Bruno Fernandes, Phil Neville has lambasted Richard Keys, labeling him a disgrace for insinuating that the Manchester United skipper intentionally got himself suspended for the forthcoming match against Liverpool.

The offensive midfielder landed his fifth yellow card of the season due to dissent in Manchester United's shocking 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, which rules him out of next Sunday's journey to Anfield. This incident has attracted a fair share of detractors, with Keys being the most prominent among them.

The analyst did not mince words in his evaluation, telling Andy Gray that Fernandes was fully aware of his actions and their repercussions. However, Neville, a former United player, vehemently dismissed such allegations during his appearance on NBC on Sunday morning. He stated that's ridiculous talk whoever said that in public is a disgrace.

If you look at Bruno Fernandes, he love Bruno Fernandes, he cares about Manchester United. Look at the teams in the top six, that's the one player I'd take. Look at the one player who comes out after a defeat it's Bruno Fernandes. Captains over the years have played like Bruno Fernandes. Roy Keane whinged and whined like Bruno Fernandes. In this team, he's the best player, he plays right wing, centre midfield and he just gets on with it because he cares about the club.

The controversy on social networks

The controversy also spilled over onto social media platforms where Keys reiterated his stance on Sunday morning. He stood firm on his initial assertion on X, stating that Fernandes knew he would miss the Anfield game if he received a yellow card and that he deliberately did not want to play in it. Regardless of the speculated intent, Erik ten Hag will have to strategize for the upcoming match without his skipper, hoping to evade a defeat like their previous encounter at Liverpool in March.