Juan Mata aims brutal dig at critics of Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes after Roy Keane rant

Juan Mata has launched a staunch defence of Bruno Fernandes after the Manchester United captain scored a stoppage-time winner against Fulham.

The midfielder netted in the 91st minute to secure a much-needed win for the Reds, having come under heavy criticism for his role as skipper. Among those who questioned this status was former United captain Roy Keane.

Speaking after the club’s 3-0 Manchester derby loss last weekend, the Irishman said: “The first thing I would do, having watched him again today, is definitely take the captaincy off him, 100 per cent.

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“I know it's a big decision and obviously he did change the captaincy from [Harry] Maguire, but Fernandes is not captain material. I think he is a talented player, no doubt about it.

“But what I saw today with him again, and I know we have discussed this many times before, was him whinging, moaning, throwing his arms up in the air and it really isn't acceptable and after what we saw today I would take it off him. You have to start somewhere.

“You talk about board level and managers, I would start with that because the manager is capable of doing that. Fernandes is a brilliant footballer. In terms of captain material, he is the opposite to what I would want in a captain."

Former United midfielder Mata took to Instagram after full-time against Fulham to defend Fernandes. Writing on his story, the Spaniard listed a plethora of superlatives below a photo of Fernandes celebrating his goal at Craven Cottage.

Mata - currently playing at Japanese club Vissel Kobe aged 35 - wrote: “Professional. Committed. Humble. Hard-working. Talented. Decisive. Leader.