Bruno Fernandes 'unlikely' to speak to Gary Neville in interviews this season

Bruno Fernandes is set to snub Gary Neville when it comes to interviews this season, according to reports, with the Manchester United midfielder still 'hurt' from previous comments.

Back in March, a furious Neville branded Fernandes "embarrassing" as United suffered their joint-biggest ever loss in a competitive game – when they were beaten 7-0 by bitter rivals Liverpool.

Speaking during the game at Anfield, the former United defender said: "Bruno Fernandes is stood in the centre circle with his arms raised asking: ‘Why is it me not coming off?' Honestly, I have to say some of his behaviour in the second half has been a disgrace."

He continued: "The second half has been an absolute disgrace, a shambles. Epitomised by no one more than the captain Bruno Fernandes, who I think has been embarrassing at times in this game but I have to say it’s not their usual performance, spirit or form and he [Erik ten Hag] will deal with it very quickly."

Neville later added: "I've had enough of him throwing his arms about, not running about. That wasn't a captain's performance by him."

A month later, Fernandes responded to the criticism with a dig of his own. “We all know pundits have to say something to keep their work," he said.

“The more bad things they say, the more work they get, sometimes. We all have to live with that but for me, it's about my teammates being okay with that. Whenever they are not, I would like them to tell me so I can calm myself down.

"Most of the things that were said after that game were complete lies. Because I waved my arms, they [assumed] that I said something that I didn't say.

"The pundits always want to say something to get attention and credit from the people outside. Sometimes they say something to say."

Now, with just three weeks to go until their Premier League opener against Wolves, reports have emerged during United's summer tour of the United States that suggest Fernandes has not forgotten about the above criticism.

In fact, The Sun claim Fernandes is 'not ready to bury the hatchet' with Neville and is 'unlikely to engage with Neville pitch side next season, despite his new position as captain.'

Image credit: Getty

Image credit: Getty

Neville wasn't the only Sky pundit to voice their opinion both during and after the Liverpool game. Roy Keane was also critical of Fernandes' performance at Anfield.

"Fernandes' body language today was nothing short of disgraceful," he said. "A really talented boy, he's your captain, but his body language, waving his arms, not running back, you wouldn't be happy with him in your dressing room."

Thoughts on the above reports?

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Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Gary Neville, Premier League

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_