Joao Cancelo swipes at Bruno Fernandes in response to Man United message
Bruno Fernandes was on the receiving end of a jibe from a former Manchester City player as Man United’s pre-season preparations continue.
Man United will jet off to the US for their pre-season tour with Bryan Mbeumo in tow, after the Brentford forward’s £71million move to Old Trafford was finally completed on Monday after weeks of negotiations.
Mbeumo’s long-awaited move comes after Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m switch from Wolves last month and the arrivals of Diego Leon and Enzo Kana-Biyik, as Ruben Amorim‘s rebuild continues at Old Trafford.
Cunha made his Man United debut in their first friendly of pre-season against Roses rivals Leeds United in Stockholm on Saturday, and his new skipper Fernandes is keen for the Red Devils to up the ante this summer.
Cancelo sends ‘Penandes’ dig after Man United link-up
Amorim’s first pre-season friendly ended goalless as promoted Leeds held Man United to a 0-0 draw at the Strawberry Arena, with both Cunha and Fernandes starting the match on either side of a front three.
Man United’s players also hosted the visiting India cricket team at Carrington last weekend ahead of their test match against England at Old Trafford, and Fernandes posed with Rishab Pant and Shubman Gill.
Fernandes posted a series of photos on Instagram (21 July) with the message of; “First week back”, and among a series of reactions from Man United players, Al-Hilal‘s Joao Cancelo said: “You’re learning something Penandes”.
The 30-year-old’s 19 goals in all competitions last season did include seven penalties, and Cancelo‘s tongue-in-cheek comment implied that he’d learned how to play cricket after posing in an India shirt.
Man United ease Fernandes burden with Cunha, Mbeumo transfers
Football Insider Verdict
Although Cancelo’s comments weren’t meant as malicious given the closeness of the two Portuguese internationals, Man City fans will certainly be happy to see an ex-player sticking the boot into Fernandes.
Fernandes’ seven penalties last term included four in Man United’s run to the Europa League final, as the creative burden on his shoulders to drag the Red Devils over the line grew with every passing match.
The additions of Mbeumo and Cunha as attacking options should ease the pressure on the Man United captain to be their talisman, but still don’t expect Fernandes to relinquish spot-kick duties any time soon.