Footballers no longer running their own social media accounts is something of an open secret today.
With public image increasingly important to athletes, given the current climate online, we're now seeing more and more PR firms taking over high-profile accounts - for better or for worse.
However, yesterday we saw one of the potential drawbacks to relinquishing your account to a third party, as whoever was supposed to be managing Bruno Fernandes' account seemingly posted something that was intended to go on Gabriel Martinelli's page.
Advert
The timing could hardly have been worse, as the incident took place on Saturday evening, just hours after Fernandes' Manchester United team had been soundly beaten by rivals Manchester City.
Posted to the Portuguese footballer's Instagram and Twitter pages was a picture of a group of Arsenal players joking together in training, with the rather ironic caption reading "gooood vibes".
See the posts for yourself below.
Advert
As you can clearly see, it appears the posts were meant for Marinelli's two pages, rather than that of the United playmaker.
Advert
Plenty of fans gave their opinion on the growing trend of PR firms controlling accounts, questioning why the players themselves are trying so hard to distance themselves from the supporters they claim to represent.
Advert
Advert
This isn't the first time Fernandes has been called out for his social activity, either. Last month, the 27-year-old posted a lengthy apology after missing a late penalty against Aston Villa in a Premier League tie.
It was widely ridiculed by other fan bases and pundits alike, who regarded it as an over-the-top reaction to what was, ostensibly, an individual error.
Regardless, after United's turgid performance against City, both he and the club have much more prescient issues to worry about.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Gabriel Martinelli, Premier League, Arsenal