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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Keifer MacDonald

Gary Neville doubles down on Bruno Fernandes criticism after Liverpool 'lies' claim

Gary Neville has doubled down on his criticism of Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes and the way he conducts himself in matches - insisting his petulant behaviour makes it difficult for young players.

Fernandes was singled out for his demeanour during United's 7-0 thrashing at Anfield last month, where he could regularly be seen throwing his arms up in the air in retaliation and offering little encouragement to his team-mates.

As part of Sky Sports' Super Sunday panel on Merseyside last month, Neville and former Manchester United captain Roy Keane heavily criticised the Portugal international's actions, with the latter labelling his body language a "disgrace".

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Ahead of United's visit to Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon, though, Fernandes appeared to hit back at the comments, claiming what was said about him after the defeat to Jurgen Klopp's side on March 5 was "complete lies".

However, when asked for a response, Neville doubled down on his claim from last month and insisted plenty of supporters of the Old Trafford club have a problem with the way the 28-year-old conducts himself on the field.

"I don’t talk to any Manchester United fan that likes the way he behaves, particularly when the team are losing and he throws his arms around," said Neville.

"As a football player, he’s been fantastic for United - his goals, his assists - he always plays and he’s been fantastic. But, he says he doesn’t cause a problem when he throws his arms around, he does, because it’s - look, I used to play with Roy [Keane] as my captain, who would hand out a good rollicking to a player or two, that was fine, it was direct and you could see where it was coming from.

"I think it’s this last couple of years at United there are players who I think have tutted, who’ve gone throwing their arms around on the pitch, which I think is a different type of criticism, for me, it doesn’t help young players in particular.

"I called it out when Cristiano [Ronaldo] did it a couple of years ago, I call it out when Bruno Fernandes does it - I don’t like it. I think direct criticism is fine - look, he is emotional, he is passionate, he gets involved in the game, he gets involved wherever he is, I have no problem with that, but I have to say every Manchester United fan I speak to feels the same thing. Sometimes he goes over the top."

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