Sharp-tongued pundit Keane, returns to screens today as Millwall take on Crystal Palace at 12:45pm in the FA Cup third round, live on ITV. The former United midfielder will be joined by Mark Pougatch and Ian Wright to analyse the south London derby. Gary Rowett’s Championship outfit will be hoping to make the most of home advantage, as a rejuvenated Crystal Palace go to the Den for the first time since their promotion to the Premier League nine years ago.
Despite club talisman Wilfried Zaha being on international duty with the Ivory Coast, fan favourites Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise could return to a young and exciting Palace attack.
Keane, who never shies away from speaking his mind, will be casting his critical eye on what promises to be a fierce encounter.
A former Manchester United captain, Keane is often scathing with his punditry when watching his former side in particular.
The Irishman’s has not only criticised the player’s performances, but also their characters while on Sky Sports duty.
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Yet earlier this year United midfielder Fernandes hit back at pundits, and defended his record since arriving at Manchester United in 2020.
Speaking before the Manchester derby last March, Fernandes said: “People are saying ‘Bruno is not playing well’ because nobody remembers the past.
“They remember the moments I don’t play well against Chelsea, I don’t play well against Crystal Palace, so ‘Bruno is inconsistent, Bruno is not having a good moment, Bruno is playing bad, Bruno has to do better’.
“I agree because we can always do better, but sometimes I’m a little sad about people who know about football saying so many things I don’t agree [with].
“Just get on with being a footballer.
“He talks about ex-players and pundits. I don’t know why these players worry about the pundits’ opinion.
“Just get on with it. Perform.”
Keane was sitting alongside Graeme Souness and Micah Richards, with the latter suggesting that the pressure on today’s footballers is greater than it had been in the past, due to social media.
Yet Keane later added: “It’s all about what you do on the football pitch and I know players under pressure do interviews and respond to criticism.
“Just get on with it, don’t be such a baby, and focus on the game today.
“End of story. And if he does well we praise him and if he doesn’t, then he better be ready.”
Manchester United ultimately beat Manchester City 2-0 after an early Fernandes penalty and rare Luke Shaw goal in the second half.
However, this season saw a horrendous run of form for the Red Devils, which ultimately led to the sacking of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.
Since then, they have brought in Ralf Ragnick as interim manager, though Sky Sports reports this week claim that some Manchester United players are struggling to adapt to the German’s system.
Watch coverage of Millwall versus Crystal Palace live on ITV from 12:00 midday.
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