Micah Richards has offered insight into the apparent tension between Roy Keane and Bruno Fernandes, insisting the Manchester United legend holds no personal grudge against the Portuguese playmaker. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Richards, who works closely with Keane at Sky Sports, explained that the Irishman's criticism stems from his unwavering standards rather than any personal animosity.
Keane's High Standards
Richards, a former Manchester City defender, noted that Keane struggles to comprehend the current state of United, where finishing in the top four is celebrated. 'When I'm working with Roy Keane, his standards are so high, and they've fallen a bit, he can't comprehend what's happening,' Richards said. 'He loves Bruno, I know they had their little fallout, he's got nothing against Bruno. It's the standards, they shouldn't be celebrating getting in the Champions League.'
Fernandes' Record Season
The spat occurred when Keane felt Fernandes prioritized personal assists over team success. However, Fernandes went on to break the Premier League record for assists in a single season, and he bit back at Keane's criticism. Richards believes Keane simply wants the current squad to match the standards he set during his playing days, which included seven Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.
'He just sees players not putting a foot in, not pressing, that's what he can't get his head around,' Richards added. 'It's not always about the ability; he got the most from his ability because he gave 100 percent.'
United's New Era Under Carrick
Manchester United will enter a new chapter under Michael Carrick next season, with optimism following his interim tenure. The Red Devils secured notable victories, including a 3-2 win over Arsenal in January, but critics pointed to their lighter fixture list as a caveat. Arsenal, despite losing to PSG in the Champions League final on penalties, ended their 22-year league title drought under Mikel Arteta.
Richards on League vs. Champions League
Richards weighed in on the debate between league and European success, suggesting the Premier League is a truer test of consistency. 'That's why I think the Champions League is a weird one,' he said. 'You're the best team in Europe, but you could just be going through a really good spell at the time. Real Madrid a few years ago, they beat Chelsea, PSG and Man City late on. They were just on a run where they're thinking 'we're unstoppable here' and that momentum. Obviously they had great players, but the league, you can't be lucky.'
He added that the standard of the Premier League might have dipped due to fixture congestion, but Arsenal fully deserved their title. 'I think the standard has dropped a bit because of the amount of games. You look at Chelsea, with the Club World Cup, they didn't get a rest. But a league, you don't win a league by luck, and yes it might not be pretty at times but they fully deserved to win it.'
Richards' Partnership with Peperami
Micah Richards has teamed up with meat snack brand Peperami for its Be Bold. Be Meaty campaign. He is fronting a major social-first content series set to air during the World Cup, as well as supporting the launch of the new Peperami x Doritos BBQ Sweet Tang limited edition range.
