Attacking-midfielder Bruno Fernandes has played down any speculation suggesting that Manchester United's players do not have confidence in Harry Maguire's leadership as club captain.
In recent weeks, Maguire, who scored United's opener in Sunday's 4-2 win over Leeds United at Elland Road, has been under the spotlight and attracted widespread criticism from a number of Reds supporters, who have called for him to be stripped of the captain's armband.
Last week, speculation was further increased about United's players' thoughts on Maguire's leadership after Fernandes shared a picture of himself sandwiched between Eric Bailly and Raphael Varane during a training session.
Along with the picture, Fernandes posted: "Feeling very safe between these two."
Some United supporters interpreted the Portuguese international's admission as a vote of no confidence in Maguire, with them suggesting that Fernandes meant he would be happier if Bailly was partnering Varane at centre-back opposed to the England international.
However, Fernandes, who also got himself amongst the goals against Leeds, has rubbished the speculation, insisting the post had no relation to Maguire at all.
"Honestly, I think people question everything at this club," he told Premier League Productions. "Every week we have a new story about something.
"I posted a photo on Instagram where I was with Rapha and Eric and I said, 'I feel very secure in the middle with these two.'
"Meaning, 'security' like if [someone] comes they are like my bodyguards. And people were complaining I was throwing something at Maguire.
"But Maguire was not the only defender who was not in the photo. Victor Lindelof was not in the photo, Phil Jones was not in the photo.
"People want to complain and want to make stories around us, but the most important [thing] is that we stick together and do our jobs on the pitch.
"Obviously, everyone is really happy with H because it’s really tough being in his place in the last period. Honestly, we all have bad games.
"And when we don't win it's not because H is not playing well, or Bruno is not playing well, it’s because the team is not playing well and it’s not performing in the right way.
"For us inside the dressing room is not where we blame someone, but [to] understand how we come out of bad situations."
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