Phil Neville calls Richard Keys 'a disgrace' over Bruno Fernandes Liverpool suggestion

In a passionate defence of Bruno Fernandes, Phil Neville has branded Richard Keys a disgrace for suggesting the Manchester United captain deliberately got suspended for next week's match against Liverpool.

The attacking midfielder was shown his fifth yellow card of the campaign for dissent during his side's 3-0 home embarrassment against Bournemouth, meaning he will miss next Sunday's trip to Anfield.

He has had a number of critics as a result - most notably Keys. The pundit was scathing in his assessment, telling Andy Gray that Fernandes knew exactly what he was doing knew what the consequences of his actions would be.

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However appearing on NBC on Sunday morning, former United player Neville refuted any such claims.

"I think that's ridiculous talk - whoever said that in public is a disgrace," be hit back. "If you look at Bruno Fernandes, I love Bruno Fernandes, he cares about Manchester United.

"Look at the teams in the top six, that's the one player I'd take. Look at the one player who comes out after a defeat - it's Bruno Fernandes.

"Captains over the years have played like Bruno Fernandes. Roy Keane whinged and whined like Bruno Fernandes. In this team, he's the best player, he plays right wing, centre midfield and he just gets on with it because he cares about the club."

The debate stirred on social media too, causing Keys to also speak again on Sunday morning. His mind was not changed as he doubled down on his Saturday statement on X, formerly known as Twitter: "For the avoidance of doubt I’ll say it again. Fernandes knew