Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes has rubbished a rumour linking him with a move to Barcelona, becoming the latest player to squash reports of unhappiness in the camp.
The Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed two excellent campaigns at Old Trafford but the third has proved more tough, with Fernandes netting just once in his last 14 Premier League games.
There have been rumblings of discontent around United after defeat to Wolves last time out left them in seventh position in the table, with reports claiming up to 17 players are currently unhappy at the club.
Portuguese outlet SPORT TV dragged Fernandes – who was criticised by Gary Neville for ‘whinging’ after the draw against Newcastle – into the mix, claiming he was offered to Barcelona.
But the 27-year-old has rubbished the rumour in spectacular fashion, comparing it to an April Fools’ joke.
Responding to SPORT TV’s post on Instagram, he replied: ‘And I thought the new year only started a few days ago, yet we’re already on April 1! Or is this once again just bad journalism?’
Fernandes has struggled to find a place in Ralf Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2 formation and was left out of the starting lineup that lost to Wolves.
The former Sporting star has often cut a frustrated and forlorn figure during United’s recent poor results, but he is far from the only player who is struggling at Old Trafford currently.
In recent days both Fred and Marcus Rashford have moved to speak on the reports of United’s camp being an unhappy one, saying everyone is pulling together.
‘Over the past few days I have read several fake news [articles] involving my name and other MUFC athletes,’ wrote Fred on social media on Friday. ‘I’m not in the habit of answering controversial stuff publicly, but this time I will have to.
‘I just want to say that I am very happy here and I have never expressed any dissatisfaction and the possibility of leaving the club. Don’t get misled by fake news. We will continue to work with great dedication to pursue our goals.’
