Manchester United sources deny Bruno Fernandes asked to be substituted vs Liverpool

Bruno Fernandes did not request to be substituted during Manchester United's defeat at Liverpool.

Former United captain Gary Neville, on co-commentary for broadcasters Sky Sports, claimed Fernandes was requesting to come off for Anthony Elanga when Marcus Rashford was withdrawn.

United sources say Fernandes sought clarification on his position after the 85th-minute change with Liverpool 6-0 up. Liverpool scored a seventh in the 88th minute.

Also read: United players report early for meeting with Ten Hag

During United's draw with Leicester on December 23 2017, Neville claimed Ander Herrera had "refused" to move to right-back shortly before Harry Maguire scored an added-time equaliser.

On Christmas Eve, Herrera tweeted: "Happy Christmas to everyone, including the ones that try to invent stories that never happened."

Fernandes was widely criticised for his conduct during United's 7-0 shellacking but the Football Association will not charge him after he placed his hand on the linesman. The incident was spotted by referee Andy Madley and was not included in his report.

All of the United players reported by 9am this morning for a recovery session and a debrief with manager Erik ten Hag, who arrived nearly two hours before the players.

United lost 7-0 for the first time since Boxing Day in 1931 at Anfield, where they have now gone eight games without a win. United have only won three times away at Liverpool since December 2007.

When Ten Hag was asked if the players had attempted to explain their capitulation at his post-match press conference, he replied: "No, I didn't give them the chance until now.

"We have to talk about that, I have only given my opinion about it and we will talk about that tomorrow. I know this team will