United looked destined to fail to respond to a nightmare weekend at Old Trafford, suffering back-to-back 3-0 defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle United.
But Fernandes produced a moment of magic that Red Devils supporters have grown accustomed to, slightly easing the pressure on Erik ten Hag’s job.
He had faced more criticism than any other player in the days leading up to the Fulham clash, with his credentials as United captain a prominent debate among fans and pundits alike.
After United’s dismal Manchester derby display last Sunday, Keane ripped into the 29-year-old, urging Ten Hag to strip him of the armband despite naming him skipper in the summer.
“The first thing I would do is take the captaincy off him. I know it’s a big decision, but Fernandes is not captain material,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“He’s a talented player, but what I saw today – he’s whingeing, he’s moaning, he’s throwing his arms up in the air constantly – it really isn’t acceptable.
Click here to join our Man Utd WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive Red Devils news.
“When you’re talking about where do they make changes – board level, managers – I’d start with that because the manager is capable of doing that.
“Fernandes is a brilliant footballer, but he’s the opposite of what you want in a captain.”
The Portuguese maestro silenced his critics with his latest clutch contribution in west London, and former United goalkeeper De Gea couldn’t resist aiming a jab at Keane after full-time.
Under Fernandes’ post-match Instagram post, the Spaniard wrote: “You are not the right captain [zipped mouth emoji].”
