Fernandes Denies Rift With Solskjaer After Tottenham Defeat

Bruno Fernandes has rejected reports he criticised manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after being substituted in the team’s 6-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Portugal midfielder also rubbished reports he has harsh words with his Manchester United teammates following the heavy defeat at Old Trafford.

“I think there has been a lot of speculation lately about this,” Fernandes, who started in Portugal’s 3-0 win over Sweden, told SportTV.

“First, they [the media] said there was a discussion with the teammates, and as that didn’t sell, it was then with a teammate [Victor Lindelof], and as that didn’t work either, it was with Solskjaer. I believe it’s just a way of destabilising the group a little bit.”

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Fernandes, who had given United an early lead from the penalty spot against Spurs, said he was not happy to be replaced at half-time with his team trailing 4-1 and a man down but “accepted” Solskjaer’s decision.

“What was said is in no way true because I was substituted at half-time for tactical reasons,” the Portugal midfielder added.

“When the coach told me that the game was over and that we would have many more [games] ahead, I understood that, of course. I was not satisfied with leaving, but I didn’t speak or say, anything at that moment that could harm the group.

“Even after the game, the coach sent me a message to wish me good luck with the national team. [In the changing room at the end of the game] He asked me and two or three other players if we thought we needed to offer some words of support to the group but, nobody wanted to speak because it wasn’t the best moment.”