Bruno Fernandes has been criticised for his "totally unnecessary" dig at his Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho after the 1-0 win away at Real Sociedad.
The Red Devils needed to win the game by two goals to ensure they leapfrogged the Spanish outfit into top spot in their Europa League group. The side that finishes first avoids playing in a round of 32 two-legged contest in Februrary next year and therefore stakes were high.
United's failure to get the second goal means they could face a number of European giants, as clubs who finished third in their respective Champions League groups now enter the fold. Erik ten Hag could be overseeing an Ajax reunion as the Dutch champions drop down into the competition, or could be forced to pit his wits against Xavi's Barcelona.
Despite this, one of the most glaring positives of the win in Spain was the performance of Garnacho. The teenage wide-forward has barely featured for United so far this term, but was thrown into the deep end against Sociedad and flourished.
The 18-year-old netted the game's only goal inside the opening 20 minutes as he showcased his rapid turn of pace and stellar finishing ability to put United in front. It has only increased excitement from the Red Devils faithful that Garnacho is the new bright, young spark ready to play first-team football regularly.
However, he would have been quickly brought back down to earth after reading Fernandes' harsh post-match comments.
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"He was good but he knows we expect a lot from him," the Portugal international explained. "Obviously he’s still really young, he’s doing really well.
"At the beginning of the season he was not at his best. In the [pre-season] tour he didn’t have the best attitude that he should have, and that’s why he didn’t get his chances until now.
"He’s getting his chances because he’s training better, he’s got a different attitude and he’s deserving his chances."
Some may argue Fernandes was simply being refreshingly honest, but former Premier League star and BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton was clearly not a fan of the conduct.
"Totally unnecessary," he claimed. "The message which I think Erik ten Hag wants coming out of Manchester United is that it’s harmonious.
"I was really surprised at that. He could’ve used different language. Garnacho had a brilliant game tonight, he was the one real threat Manchester United had. I don’t get that from Bruno. He’s better than that."
