Bernardo Silva sent clear Man City message after 'ridiculous' criticism

Fingers have been pointed amid Manchester City's slump this season, with almost every member of the squad taking criticism as Pep Guardiola struggles to turn fortunes around - but City fans in the Manchester Evening Newscomments section are not taking any put-downs aimed at Bernardo Silva lightly.

Silva has been an ever-present player for City so far this season, with only Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol playing more minutes than him. Like other members of the team, he has been put into roles that don't suit him best, as the club grapple with injuries - and the resulting heavy workload for those that remain - cutting deep into a small squad.

Online criticism of Silva's recent performances grew after City were badly overrun in the Champions League loss to PSG, with everything from his effort to his mentality questioned. Fingers are being pointed as some fans look to dole out blame or look for improvements in a dour season.

Some fans are having none of it. Reader GrogEisenbein says: "We have been spoilt rotten by Bernardo’s performances for the past half decade. He has turned in stunningly stable performances in almost every game he has played, being intense in the press and wonderful when taking on opponents. He has routinely made even the most merited opponent look cumbersome and slow.

"Now for the first time he looks short of form. Let’s not hold that against him. He is playing in a team where everyone’s standards have dropped. Just let him rest a bit more (for example by signing the one thing our tired squad really needs: a fresh pair of legs in midfield - or start using O’Reilly for Pete’s sake) and Bernardo will return to his best before too long."

Commenter Gizzie writes: "The 'fans' who are criticising Bernado