‘Everton legend sparks Bruno Fernandes clash with mock elbows at Man United team’
Man United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was not happy with what former Everton defender Derek Mountfield did at half-time in the game between the two sides, according to The Telegraph.
The Red Devils travelled to Goodison Park on Saturday (22 February) looking to improve on what has been a poor run of form under the management of Ruben Amorim.
Things though did not start at all well for the visitors, with Everton taking a deserved 2-2 lead into half time.
It was at that point that Fernandes became embroiled in a controversial incident with Mountfield, who seemingly annoyed the Man United captain.
Bruno Fernandes involved in clash with Everton legend
Mountfield was present at the game to be inducted into the Everton hall of fame for his service to the club.
The 62-year-old made over 100 league appearances for the Toffees between 1982 and 1988, winning two first division titles, an FA Cup and a UEFA Cup Winners Cup.
As part of the induction, Mountfield and other former Everton players were introduced onto the Goodison Park pitch at half-time in the game.
It is reported by the Telegraph that while entering onto the field, the former centre-back aimed a series of mock elbows at the Man United players as they headed back to the dressing room.
Fernandes is said to have taken exception to that action, leading to heated words being exchanged between the two.
The Red Devils captain then helped inspire a second half comeback from Man United as they pulled the scoreline back to 2-2.
Even so, Amorim’s side were perhaps fortunate to avoid defeat after Everton were controversially denied a penalty after a VAR check in second half stoppage time.
Man United have bigger things to worry about than mock elbows
Football Insider Verdict
Right now, the club currently sit 15th in the Premier League table, having struggled to find form under Amorim and with financial concerns also hanging over Man United ahead of the transfer window.
| Man United under Ruben Amorim | Total |
| Wins | 10 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Defeats | 9 |
They were of course also 2-0 down to Everton at this point in the game, and so fixing that situation should have been firmly on the mind of Fernandes.
With that in mind the fact their captain is getting involved in a joke such as this with someone he was not even playing against at that point does feel very unnecessary.
Even so, given the Man United captain was much improved in the second-half, he may point to this incident as a source of motivation for him to help instigate that turnaround.