Bruno Fernandes finally responds to Roy Keane criticism

United legend Keane delivered a scathing assessment on the current squad last month in which he said: "I think they're f****** imposters."

He also took aim at Fernandes by acknowledging his talent but then stressing that 'is not enough'.

Keane previously called for the captaincy to be taken off the Portugal international, who has recently stepped up for United.

Fernandes delivered a goal and two assists in their 3-0 victory against Leicester City on Sunday before responding to Keane's criticism.

When asked if it hurts or motivates him, he told Sky Sports: "I think both. Obviously it's not nice to hear bad things about you, I think no one likes it.

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"But at the same time, it motivates and it makes you feel that obviously there's a lot of things that people think you have to improve.

"You have to take it in a positive way, understanding that whatever people are saying, if there is a margin to improve or not.

"Obviously I know you're talking about Roy Keane, I've said it before, I have a huge respect for Roy Keane. I think he was one of the best captains at the club, an amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club.

"So it's the way he thinks, it's the idea he has about me as a player, as a captain and I have to respect that. Obviously I do the things in my own way to try to be the best, not captain, but person and teammate as I can.

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"I do it everyday, I try to be an example in everything I do in the training sessions, on the pitch, in everything I do. But obviously not everyone will like [it], not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone.

"And as I said, I have huge respect for Roy Keane and obviously that there's a lot of margin for improvement in my game, in my leadership, in everything I do, even in my own life."

Fernandes has now provided 16 goals and 15 assists for United in all competitions this season.

His performance against Leicester came days after he made history in the Europa League during their last 16 win over Real Sociedad.

The 30-year-old scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 second leg victory to total the most combined goals and assists in the competition.

Fernandes has scored 24 times and assisted another 17 goals in the Europa League, with his nine penalties scored also a record.

United return after the March international break with an away clash at Champions League qualification hopefuls Nottingham Forest.

They then host rivals Manchester City before facing Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals in a tough start to the season run-in.