---
title: "“Best in the world” – Man Utd fans will be surprised to hear Keane hail Fernandes"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/05/17/best-in-the-world-man-utd-fans-will-be-surprised-to-hear-keane-hail-fernandes-football-news/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Matt Guyett"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-05-17T11:22:16Z"
modified: "2026-05-17T11:29:06Z"
---

# “Best in the world” – Man Utd fans will be surprised to hear Keane hail Fernandes

- Roy Keane hails Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes
- Club legend explains where he’s ‘best in the world’
- Fernandes’ future a talking point

**[Roy Keane](https://readmanutd.com/roy-keane-manchester-united-profile/) has somewhat surprisingly given a glowing verdict of [Manchester United](https://readmanutd.com/manchester-united-club-history-trophies-moments/) captain Bruno Fernandes. The club’s former skipper hasn’t always been a fan of the Portuguese playmaker.**

Fernandes is enjoying his best season to date at Old Trafford. Ahead of today’s clash with Nottingham Forest, he is one assist away from reaching a Premier League record.

The 31-year-old has 20 assists in 34 games. One more assist sees him match Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s joint record of 21 assists in a single campaign.

## Keane labels Fernandes ‘best in the world’

Keane’s dislike of Fernandes’ character has been prevalent throughout the Portugal international’s United career. He has often criticised his leadership qualities and suggested he shouldn’t be wearing the captain’s armband.

The Irish pundit put this aside to lavish praise on the Red Devils talisman. He said on Sky Sports:

*“His form has been fantastic. The big part of Bruno’s game is that he’s got runners ahead of him. If you make proper runs then Bruno will pick you out. His decision-making and his weight of pass, it’s the best in the world. So I’m not surprised by those stats and he’s gone on to another level now.”*

> Can Bruno Fernandes break the assist record? 👀 [pic.twitter.com/EprJo47BC2](https://t.co/EprJo47BC2)
>
> — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) [May 17, 2026](https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/2055969059246612841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Fernandes’ future was uncertain last summer amid interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. He turned down a massive contract proposal to stay at United.

The Portuguese midfielder explained to Wayne Rooney last month that he didn’t want to leave the club during a difficult period. The Reds finished 15th last season and lost the Europa League final.

Fernandes’ decision to stay has been crucial as he’s been the best player in the Premier League this season. He’s already won the FWA Player of the Year award and is the favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year award.

## Man Utd must seal Fernandes future

Fernandes will have a year left on his contract this summer but Michael Carrick’s appointment as head coach is likely to help ensure he stays put. The club captain is loving life under the English tactician, who has moved him back into his preferred number 10 position.

[Reports](https://readmanutd.com/2026/05/10/man-utd-ready-to-offer-bruno-fernandes-new-contract-ahead-of-world-cup-transfer-news/)claim that United are eager to offer Fernandes a new contract ahead of the World Cup. If he were to sign it, that would help ensure there is no uncertainty ahead of Carrick’s first full season as permanent head coach.

Fernandes joined the club from Sporting CP in January 2020 in a £47m deal. He has made 326 appearances, scored 106 goals, provided 107 assists and won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.