Official confirmation: B Fee's 21st assist is not an own goal! Verbal clash with Keane, and Man Utd begins contract extension talks

The Premier League has formally acknowledged Bruno Fernandes' 21st assist. Although some footage indicated it might be an own goal, the league ultimately validated that he set a new single-season record. According to the BBC, Manchester United's strike was confirmed as belonging to Patrick Dorgu. It was first credited by Opta, and the panel of ex-players and referees responsible for reviewing goals made no changes.

A slow-motion replay showed that the corner kick taken by B Fee was headed by Dorgu toward the goal, struck the crossbar, rebounded, and then hit the back of Brighton's goalkeeper's hand before entering the net. However, the Premier League officials deemed it a deflection rather than a ball that bounced out and was then knocked in, so the goal was awarded to Dorgu as the shooter, and B Fee's assist stands.

B Fee thus became the player with the most assists in a single Premier League season. However, he strongly defended his character and achievements, accusing legendary figure Roy Keane of lying about him solely focusing on breaking the assist record. The two engaged in a war of words.

The incident occurred after Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest, when Keane criticized B Fee for being obsessed with setting a record and prioritizing personal accolades over the team's interests. In B Fee's view, Keane fabricated untrue statements to attract attention, and he wanted to contact him to clarify the facts.

Keane said on his podcast: "B Fee said, 'A few times, I should have scored but chose to pass.' Unbelievable. As a player and captain, how can you only think about personal records in a match? With that mindset, you cannot win trophies because the team should be the priority."

However, what B Fee actually said was: "Today, a few times, I should have chosen to pass instead of shooting. I'm happy to assist my teammates, but what pleases me more is that we won the game and can end the season this way."

It seems Keane misheard B Fee's remarks rather than deliberately twisting the facts. Naturally, B Fee was dissatisfied with this.

"As I've always said, I don't mind criticism. I've always been open to anyone's criticism and never respond," B Fee said on another podcast. "People can have their own opinions, whether good or bad. But what I cannot stand is when someone lies. In this case, what you've said about Keane is pure fabrication. Either he watched a different interview, or he deliberately misrepresented my words. Fortunately, everything is recorded."

B Fee added: "I accept his criticism, and I accept that he may like or dislike me as a player, and as a person. But what I cannot accept is him making up things I never said to slander me. That's the only thing that bothers me."

It is understood that Keane simply misheard B Fee's comments and did not intentionally distort the truth. However, it is well known that the former Irish midfielder has a tough personality and never backs down, even when facing Sir Alex Ferguson. On Monday evening, Keane posted a picture of a donkey braying at two lions on social media, along with the caption: "Excessive attention can make a donkey think it's a lion."

This move sparked speculation that it was aimed at mocking B Fee. However, Keane did not explicitly state who he was referring to.

B Fee revealed that he had contacted former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær to request Keane's phone number, hoping to communicate directly with the Red Devils legend to resolve the misunderstanding. Many United fans know that Solskjær and Keane have been close friends for years.

"Obviously, I have always had great respect for Keane, for everything he has done for the club, and for every word he has spoken," B Fee added. "I never said anything wrong or anything unpleasant. I asked Ole for his number because I wanted to send him a message and talk to him. I wanted to tell him that I don't mind criticism, but I hate when people twist my words. That is a bit... beyond what I can accept."

B Fee concluded: "I accept criticism. I accept that he can say things I don't like to hear or see. But as I said earlier, constructive criticism makes me better. What I cannot tolerate is distorting my words to create lies. Obviously, I would prefer Keane to occasionally praise me, because I have achieved things many players can only dream of. I know Manchester United's goal should be to win titles, and I always keep that in mind."

Manchester United hopes B Fee and Keane will reconcile quickly, as a stable environment is crucial for the team to challenge for titles next season. The club also intends to clarify the future of the 31-year-old Portuguese star soon. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed: "Manchester United have opened talks to keep Bruno Fernandes. His contract has a €67 million release clause, and the club is open to rewarding him. Despite interest from Saudi and European clubs, initial discussions between United and Bruno about continuing together have begun. United absolutely want Bruno to stay."

After Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over, he has renewed B Fee's contract once. This time, both parties may follow the same approach: a salary increase, a slight extension of the contract term, and the removal of the release clause.