Gary Neville doubles down on criticism for Bruno Fernandes, after Man Utd star hits back at him

Gary Neville has criticised Bruno Fernandes' actions on the pitch once again, despite the Manchester United star defending what happened during the defeat to Liverpool.

It feels like quite a long time ago that United were on the end of a real shallacking at the hands of their rivals at Anfield, going down 7-0 to Jurgen Klopp's side.

No one from the Manchester half of the 'M62 derby' came out of the game looking good, but Fernandes came in for a lot of the criticism.

There were calls from some for the attacking midfielder to be stripped of the captaincy, which he only has when Harry Maguire doesn't play, and hand it to Casemiro instead.

The former Sporting star's behaviour and histrionics were heavily criticised by fans and pundits alike, with many not liking his actions or manner.

Neville also accused the Portugal international of asking to be substituted whilst the team were being absolutely battered by the fiercest rivals.

In an interview ahead of Sunday's game with Nottingham Forest, Fernandes defended himself, telling Sky Sports, "I never try to be disrespectful with anyone. 75,000 in Old Trafford, you have to make gestures with your hand.

"We know pundits have to say things. It's about my team-mates being happy, when they are not I want them to tell me.

"Most of the things that were said after that game were complete lies. People said because I raised my arms, they supposed I said something that I didn't say.

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

Fernandes was criticised ahead of the game against Forest. Image: Alamy

Despite that, Neville decided to double down on his issues with the former Sampdoria player, saying, "I don't talk to any United fan that likes the way Fernandes behaves particularly when the team are losing, when he throws his arms around.

"As a football player he's been fantastic for United, his goals and assists. He says he doesn't cause a problem when he throws his arms around, he does.

"I played with Roy [Keane] who would hand out the odd rollicking. The last few years there's been players at United tutting which I think is a different type of criticism, it doesn't help young players.

"I called it out when Cristiano [Ronaldo] was doing it a couple of years ago, I don't like it. Direct criticism is fine. He is passionate, he is emotional, he gets involved with the referee. I've got no problem with that.

"Every United man I speak to feels the same thing, sometimes he goes over the top."

Whatever the former United full back thinks of the current number eight, there's no doubt that he's extremely important to Ten Hag's team.