Roy Keane on why Bruno Fernandes can't be compared with Eric Cantona

Roy Keane has called on Bruno Fernandes to perform on the big stage if he is to earn legitimate comparisons to Manchester United great Eric Cantona.

Fernandes has been a revelation since joining the Red Devils from Sporting CP in January 2020 and has proved undroppable this campaign, appearing in 25 of United's 26 matches in all competitions.

He has been the match winner on multiple occasions for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side this term, pitching in with 15 goals and nine assists and leading to people drawing comparisons between him and Cantona.

However, Fernandes could do little to prevent United from suffering a Carabao Cup semi final exit at the hands of rivals Manchester City on Wednesday evening as he turned in one of his more subdued performances in a United shirt, and Keane has called for the Portuguese midfielder to step it up when there is silverware on the line if he is to truly be regarded in the same league as Cantona.

"It's not easy. Not easy winning football trophies,” Keane told Sky Sports at full time (via the Mirror).

“You know Fernandes has had great praise and over the past few months people have been comparing him to Cantona etc. But Cantona...Fernandes didn't really do much tonight.

“The top players turn up in the big occasions. That's what the Cantonas used to do, get their hands-on trophies. And that's where this team is a little bit short.

"They probably need to have one or two more players come into the squad no doubt and the mentality, maybe they need the confidence of winning a semi-final to get them over the line. Then you get momentum."

United have not get their hands on any silverware since winning the Europa League in 2017. They are yet to win a trophy during Solskjaer's tenure - but are currently level on points with Liverpool at the Premier League summit with a game in hand.