Roy Keane and Ian Wright were involved in a fiery confrontation over Manchester United's recent slump and Bruno Fernandes' role at the club. While Ruben Amorim's appointment in November appeared to lift the mood at Old Trafford, United continue to stall and sit 14th in the Premier League.

A 3-2 win over Ipswich Town on Wednesday covered up the cracks, and former midfielder Keane has not been impressed, particularly with captain Fernandes. However, Wright disagreed with Keane's blast on the Portugal midfielder which sparked a furious debate in Stick to Football studio.

Keane started by tearing into United's current situation, saying: "They draw at Everton, and it's like they've won the cup! Bizarre. I see fans at matches, they're singing for Bruno [Fernandes], these boys - I'm thinking, f***ing imposters."

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Wright interrupted: "No bro, not Bruno," which angered his Irish counterpart. "Wrighty, Wrighty, come on. I've had enough of that rubbish," Keane irately responded back, with the ex-England forward replying: "If you're gonna dig someone out, don't dig him [Fernandes] out, come on, Roy."

Fernandes has been a virtual ever-present in the United side this season, having played the second-most minutes out of any outfield player. He is tied for the most goals in the Premier League (6) and has the most assists (7) at United. But that didn't stop Keane from blasting the 30-year-old.

"I'm watching him - sit and watch a game," Keane hit back. "Sit and watch a game with him [in]. We watched him in the FA Cup, and I watched him at Everton. People pretend to be closing people down. We're 15th in the league and he's saving them?" before the win over Ipswich, adding a sarcastic: "Praise the lord."

"Talent is not enough," Keane continued. "Bruno is a talented player, but talent is not enough. It's not enough, Wrighty. Bruno is not a fighter. You want someone going, 'Lads, are you with me? Are you with me?'"

Is Keane out of order with his rant on Fernandes? Here, our Manchester Evening News writers deliver their verdicts on the situation and where they stand on the debate....

Kieran King

For me, Keane is a little too harsh on Fernandes. Although it isn't a difficult achievement, I think Fernandes has been United's best signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era and does deserve more credit.

He has barely missed a kick due to injury, always declares himself as available, and gives the maximum every time I watch United. As well as this, Fernandes' goal and assist return is exceptional.

No player has more goals and assists for United since Fernandes joined from Sporting CP in February 2020. He has 89 goals and 79 assists to his name in 272 matches for the club over the last five years.

That is a remarkable record, and although his on-pitch behaviour - such as the arm-throwing and petulant movements - can let him down at times, I think he has been phenomenal for United.

Without Fernandes, United would be closer to the relegation zone and in danger of going down to the Championship, there is no doubt about that. He is a terrific footballer and United are fortunate to have him, because if he was playing with better players, his numbers and trophy record would be even greater.

The captaincy debate is a very different one. If you look at the players inside that United dressing room right now, however. I don't think there is someone else that suits that role better than him. He leads by example on the pitch and has often dragged United out of many difficult situations, including Saturday's 2-2 draw at Everton.

Jack Flintham

I can see both sides of the argument on this occasion but I know which side I lie on. It is true to claim that United would be in a lot more trouble if they did not have Fernandes and he proved on Wednesday night just how much of an asset he is.

However, it is also true to argue that Fernandes is perhaps not the captain that United need nor is he the player who should be your standout star that everything is built around. Do not get me wrong, the midfielder is a good player but would he automatically become the key player for Liverpool if he was moved to Anfield?

Would he be the standout player in Manchester City, Arsenal or even Chelsea's squads? I am not so sure.

The trouble for United is that Fernandes is the only semblance of a good to great player in this team. Alejandro Garnacho has his moments, as does Kobbie Mainoo and a few others but nobody has the same consistency as Fernandes.

But he is not Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi where he can win the game on his own week in, week out, with limited help around him. It is perhaps not fair to expect this from him either.

The truth is, he is a good player in a sea of mediocre or worse players at United whereas to be challenging at the top, you need more Fernandes' and those better still to drive standards and earn results. Garnacho, Mainoo, Amad (when he returns) could get there but they are still young to be relied upon constantly.

Matty Hewitt

I've listened to Keane's rant a few times now in an attempt to get to the bottom of what the point is that he's trying to hone in on. I'm still probably no further forward but on the face of things, it seems harsh to single out Fernandes as if he's somehow the one to blame for the mess United find themselves in.

Of course, there's some good points made by Roy, and the Portuguese international probably wouldn't be the United captain if he were surrounded by better characters and better players. His petulance on the pitch drives some supporters mad.

However, he isn't surrounded by better talents. If Fernandes is the best figure the Reds have to fill a leadership role that's indicative of years of poor recruitment and shows how far United have fallen from their perch. Keane is right to call that out and strive for better.

There's no doubting the Portuguese playmaker has quality and Ian Wright is also correct to say Ruben Amorim's squad would be in a far worse position were he not in the side. Keane's frustrations stem from the era he played in. Ruthless dressing rooms, strong characters and a grit on the pitch. In truth, football is a completely different environment now to when he played.

That's not to diminish his argument. It's true United have lacked those characters in recent years, but leadership comes in different forms. Fernandes has shown up when United need him, regardless of what level they find themselves at.

United need a huge rebuild both on and off the pitch with a big change in mentality.

Amie Wilson

It’s been a season of disappointment after disappointment for Manchester United, and everybody at the club has to be blamed for that - including Fernandes, but I think Keane’s criticism is a bit harsh.

In the last two games, Fernandes seems to have taken the game by the scruff of the neck and has been instrumental in the team picking up four valuable points. Against Everton, he started the comeback with his free kick, before providing the three set-pieces that led to the goals against Ipswich.

Apart from his set pieces, there was one moment against the Tractor Boys that stood out for me, with the midfielder gaining possession of the ball in his own half and driving up the pitch before putting the ball into the box, almost leading to a goal. While the ball was cleared it relieved the pressure off his team as they look to see out the game with 10 men and you could see on Fernandes’ face after how much effort he put in.

There are still elements of Fernandes that frustrate me, and I think the captaincy debate is for another time. But there is no doubt that United would be a lot worse position if it wasn’t for having the 30 year-old in their team.

Kieran Horn

I completely understand where Roy Keane's anger stems from, but I do think it is misdirected at Bruno Fernandes. As Ian Wright correctly points out, Man United would be in a far worse position without the Portugal international but as captain he must often take responsibility which also sees him held to higher standards.

In recent seasons, Fernandes' attitude has been questioned but a lot of that frustration stems from United going through difficult periods and he is doing all he can to change it. Absolutely no one can question his talent and it is also very hard to doubt his work ethic given he quite literally can't be rested because of his importance.

Ultimately, there are plenty of other members in that squad that could do with such a rant being directed at them as opposed to Fernandes.

Bruna Reis

I can understand the frustration from Roy Keane and some of his comments. But I do believe that his criticism at the Reds captain is a bit unfair and harsh. Fernandes has played a significant role for United in recent seasons and has been key for them to pick up valuable points during difficult times.

Without him on the pitch, I feel United would be in a lot more trouble and that was proved on Wednesday against Ipswich. I get it's been another disappointing season for the club but the whole team have underperformed so to purely aim the criticism at the Portuguese midfielder, seems unjust.

Fernandes, more often than not, has carried this United team and deserves more credit than what he's been given.